One of the most adored players in NBA history is Kobe Bryant, the superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers. For many years to come, generations of hoopers were inspired by Bryant’s example of perseverance, hard effort, and passion for improvement. Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is reportedly so inspired by the Black Mamba that he would want a permanent memento of Bryant’s influence to travel with him everywhere he goes.

The Grizzlies star unveiled his new back tattoos on the NBA Tattoo (@inkednba) Instagram account. Along with a few Bryant tributes on the lower back, those pieces pay homage to every team he has ever played for, from high school to the NBA. The enduring Mamba emblem and his fabled “24” number, emblazoned in the Lakers font with the phrase “Mentality” printed on top, are two examples of these Bryant tributes.

It’s really strange to watch Ja Morant pay tribute to Kobe Bryant in this way. Bryant’s star teammate during the Lakers’ three-peat from 2000 to 2002, Shaquille O’Neal, has even claimed in the past that the Grizzlies star’s on-court manner reminds him of the great shooting guard.He possesses the “it” factor. O’Neal remarked, “He knows he’s the best guy on the court.” “He does, in fact, remind me of Kobe, as I mentioned a few months ago.”