Jayson Tatum jersey number: How Celtics star is honoring Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in 2024 Olympics

Jayson Tatum has not been shy to admit his admiration for Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Even as a Celtics superstar, Tatum cannot help but look past the franchise's embedded disdain for Los Angeles and frequently pay tribute to his childhood idol — and rightfully so.

Bryant's everlasting impact on basketball is evident through the many star players who still try to emulate his game.

Tatum is at the forefront of Kobe prototypes, and he'll honor his hero — again — with his jersey number selection for USA Basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics .

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Jayson Tatum honors Kobe Bryant with Team USA jersey number

When Tatum made his Olympic debut for USA Basketball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, there was little doubt as to which number he would choose.

Tatum paid respect to his idol by donning Bryant's Team USA No. 10, helping his country take home a gold medal just as Bryant did twice.

Suiting back up for Team USA in 2024, it was inevitable which number Tatum would choose.

"It's nothing short of an honor to be able to represent this uniform and wear No. 10," Tatum told the media at USA Basketball training camp.

"Anyone who remotely knows me knows how much influence he had on me as a kid and inspired me to reach my goals. It's definitely something I don't take for granted or take lightly."

This was far from Tatum's first tribute to Bryant. There is a lengthy list of other times the Celtics star has honored the Lakers legend, which The Sporting News detailed ahead of the marquee rivalry matchup on Christmas Day.

Players to wear No. 10 for USA Basketball

Here is the complete list of players to wear No. 10 at the Olympics for USA Basketball, courtesy of its online record book.