Kobe Bryant Death Anniversary: Celebrities Who Got Tribute Tattoos for Kobe

A year after Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant died alongside seven other victims in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, shocking the entire world, the loss still hits hard with many NBA players and other celebrities because of the impact the Los Angles Lakers legend made on the sports and entertainment world. Friends and fans alike mourned Kobe and Gianna during their public memorial service at the Staples Center last February, and those close to the family mourned them at a private ceremony, but another form of paying tribute started to become a trend: tattoos.

Bryant played for the Lakers his entire NBA career (1996-2016). He emerged as one of the best to ever play the game, leading the team to five NBA titles during the 2000s. Bryant was named NBA MVP in 2008 and he has played in the All-Star game 18 times. He has also been named All-Star MVP four times which ties an NBA record. Gianna, who was 13 at the time of her death, had plans to play college basketball and bonded with her dad over the sport. Celebrities and fans alike found their bond both beautiful and heartwrenching, and paid tribute with various tattoos. Here’s a look at celebrities who have paid tribute to Bryant with tattoos.

2 Chainz

Hip-hop artist 2 Chainz used both legs to honor Bryant with the No. 2 and No. 4. Twenty-four was one of Bryant’s numbers during his playing days and he also wore number eight. 2 Chainz was a basketball player himself as he played for Alabama State University.

LeBron James

King James was one of the first celebrities to get a tattoo to honor Bryant. James and Bryant were close friends and when the Lakers honored him in February, James gave an emotional speech. 

Snoop Dogg

Months after Kobe’s death, Snoog Dogg paid tribute to Bryant and his legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers after the team beat the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. Snoop got tattoo artist Mister Cartoon to sketch out a detailed tribute featuring Bryant’s initials, the NBA championship trophy, the Lakers logo and the gates of heaven. 

Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr. decided to get a tattoo of Bryant’s face on his stomach. When Bryant died, Beckham penned an emotional message to him as they have developed a bond over the years. 

“You taught us ALL so many valuable lessons Kobe,” Beckham wrote on Instagram. “Your sacrifice and dedication to this game is something that every athlete can admire. You showed us that there is no substitute for hard work. You’ve been thru (sic) it, yet u always found a way to overcame it all.”

Shareef O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal’s son got a tattoo of Bryant as he got the numbers “8” and “24” on his leg. 

“I wish I didn’t sleep in so I could’ve talked to you,” Shareef O’Neal wrote on Instagram, referring to a missed text he had from Kobe the morning of his death. “I can’t even think straight right now.. I’m glad we got to bond over the years .. not only were you a great uncle you were a coach and a mentor to me too .. I love you man..thank you for everything you’ve done .. for this city , for the basketball world , and for me … I won’t let you down .. you always counted on me and lifted me up. Love you unc.”

Anthony Davis

Lakers star Anthony Davis went to tattoo artist Vanessa Aurelia to get his Bryant tattoo done.  “Thank you [Anthony Davis] for letting me do this piece for you!” she wrote on Instagram. “It was an honor, and thanks for making my job easy, the hospitality and with the trust.”

The Game

The Game got his Bryant tattoo on his face. He got the No. 8 sideways and it’s located above his right elbow.  “I’m heartbroken….. hurt. This is truly a sad day for Los Angeles, the game of basketball & the entire world,” he wrote on Instagram, captioning several photos of him and Bryant together. “My heart is with Vanessa, those beautiful baby girls & the immediate family. Kobe, man….. thank you for everything over the years, especially the advice, short talks with my boys & all that you’ve contributed. I love you brother, you & GiGi rest well together.”

Amber Rose

Model Amber Rose went in a different direction as she got the words “Bash Slash” inked on her forehead for her two sons Sebastian Taylor Thomaz and Slash Electric Alexander Edwards. “I don’t want this to sound corny or anything but kinda after Kobe (Bryant) died, it made me reflect on my life,” Rose said on One on One with Keyshia Cole. “I don’t want people to be like, ‘Oh Kobe died and you went and got a tattoo,’ but it was kinda like that.”