Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics’ superstar, has carved a remarkable path to NBA championship glory, defying the odds of his unconventional roots. Hailing from Missouri—a state without an NBA team and far removed from the nearest pro franchises like the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, or Memphis Grizzlies—Tatum’s fandom wasn’t shaped by geography. Instead, it was forged by a deep admiration for the game’s legends, particularly one Los Angeles Lakers icon who captured his imagination: Kobe Bryant.
Growing up, Tatum idolized Bryant, a fact that might raise eyebrows among Celtics faithful given the historic rivalry between Boston and Los Angeles. Yet, for Tatum, fandom transcends team loyalty. In various interviews, he’s been candid about his reverence for the late Lakers legend, whose relentless drive and unparalleled skill made him a global symbol of basketball excellence. This admiration came into sharp focus when Tatum was asked to name his top five NBA players of all time, and his response was as bold as it was revealing.
“Anybody that doesn’t have Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant in their top five, I really have a tough time listening to them,” Tatum declared. “I think four and five are interchangeable, but those three are cemented.”
Tatum’s inclusion of Bryant and James alongside Jordan speaks volumes about his perspective on greatness. For a generation of players, Bryant was the torchbearer in the post-Jordan era, embodying the same fierce competitiveness and clutch performance that defined MJ. With five NBA championships, an MVP award, and a scoring prowess that echoed Jordan’s, Bryant became the blueprint for aspiring wings like Tatum. His work ethic and killer instinct on the court remain unmatched, making him a natural choice for Tatum’s elite trio.
LeBron James, meanwhile, is a living legend whose impact spans over two decades. Entering the league as the heir apparent to Jordan, James has not only met but exceeded expectations, poised to retire atop the NBA’s all-time statistical leaderboards. For Tatum, who has faced James in high-stakes playoff battles, including epic Eastern Conference Finals showdowns, the respect is undeniable. James’s versatility, longevity, and dominance as a point forward resonate deeply with Tatum, whose own game mirrors that multifaceted brilliance.
What makes Tatum’s list particularly striking to Celtics fans is the inclusion of two Lakers—Bryant and James—alongside Jordan, the Chicago Bulls icon who tormented Boston’s greatest teams in the 1980s and 1990s. For a franchise steeped in tradition, with legends like Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Paul Pierce, Tatum’s nod to these rivals might feel like a playful jab. Yet, it’s a testament to his objectivity and appreciation for the game’s history. As one of today’s premier wings, Tatum naturally gravitates toward players who redefined the non-big man roles—Jordan’s scoring artistry, Bryant’s relentless competitiveness, and James’s all-around mastery.
While Tatum left spots four and five open for debate, his top three are non-negotiable, a reflection of his deep connection to the game’s most transformative figures. For Celtics fans, it’s a reminder that greatness knows no borders—not even the ones separating Boston from Los Angeles. As Tatum continues to rise as one of the NBA’s brightest stars, his admiration for these legends underscores the foundation of his own journey to immortality.