Lebron James and Anthony Davis Show Off Their Tattoo Tributes to Kobe

It’s been just over a week since the helicopter crash that took the lives of Kobe Bryant and eight other people, and people are still trying to come to terms with the tragedy. There has been an outpouring of tributes from fans and athletes of all sports, including a moment of silence before last night’s Super Bowl. 

Late last week, we learned that Lebron James and Anthony Davis had gone to get tribute tattoos to Kobe together. Both Lakers shared pictures of tattooer Vanessa Aurelia hard at work on their Instagram stories, but neither superstar shared a photo of the finished product. On Saturday, Aurelia shared photos of the two unique pieces that she created. 

James’ tattoo features a coiled up Black Mamba, Kobe’s two jersey numbers (8, 24), some roses and the words “Mamba 4 Life.” “Thank you for letting me do this piece for you!!” Aurelia wrote in the post. “From the bottom of my heart it was an honor and you’re the dopest to work with! Making my job easy’!!  @kobebryant you are missed loved and cherished through many.”

Davis’ tattoo features the logo of Kobe’s brand with a black mamba entwined around it. “Thank you @antdavis23 for letting me do this piece for you!” Aurelia wrote in the post. “It was an honor, and thanks for making my job easy, the hospitality and with the trust.”

Getting a tattoo memorializing a loved one is a fantastic way to hold on to somebody’s memory, not to mention a helpful part of the grieving process. Seeing two teammates bond in their grief in such a manner is truly inspiring. Aurelia did a great job creating two very unique pieces of art paying homage to a man who clearly had an enormous impact on James and Davis.