InkedMag
  • Articles
    • Top Stories
    • Culture
    • Art
    • Music
    • Digital Cover
    • Events
  • Shop
    • Subscriptions
    • InkedShop
  • Tattoo Shops
  • INKED COVER GIRL
  • Company
    • About
    • Contact
    • SUBSCRIPTION
    • Newsletter
    • Media Kit
  • Policies
    • DMCA
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
InkedMag
  • Top Stories
  • Culture
  • Art
  • Music
  • Events
  • Store
  • Digital Cover
  • INKED COVER GIRL
  • Tattoo Shops

Newsletter

Inked newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Next Steps: Sync an Email Add-On

InkedMag

Inked Mag Staff

February 3rd, 2020

Share Now
0
0
0

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

Tattooer Vanessa Aurelia shared photos of the heart-wrenching artwork.

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. 

View this post on Instagram

@kingjames thank you for letting me Do this piece for you!! From the bottom of my heart it was an honor and you’re the dopest to work with! Making my job easy’!! #mambamentality #mamba4life #lakers #RIP @kobebryant you are missed loved and cherished through many. Photos by @jngvizuals ❤️

A post shared by Vanessa Aurelia (@nessaurelia) on Jan 31, 2020 at 4:29pm PST

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.”

View this post on Instagram

Thank you @antdavis23 for letting me do this piece for you! It was an honor, and thanks for making my job easy , the hospitality and with the trust. #RIPKobe #mambamentality #laker Photos by @jngvizuals

A post shared by Vanessa Aurelia (@nessaurelia) on Feb 1, 2020 at 4:49pm PST

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.

Editor's Picks

Culture
The Ultimate “Superman” Tattoo Roundup: Just in Time for Superman’s Return to Screens

With Superman’s big return to theaters, fans are revisiting some of the most iconic ink inspired by the Man of Steel.

Legends Never Die INKED Recommends
Juice WRLD’s Legends Never Die Gets a Powerful 5-Year Anniversary Reissue

The Anniversary edition of Juice WRLD’s Iconic album just dropped!

INKED Recommends
Justin Bieber Surprises Fans with Newest Album, “Swag”

Justin Bieber has dropped an album for the first time in four years, and fans are losing it.

More From News Content

From Tattoo Studio to Wine Studio: This Device Gets the Vibe Right
July 7, 2025
Cervena Fox
Inked Girl of the Month: Cervena Fox Is Lighting Up the Stage and the Tattoo World
July 1, 2025
Reviving the Soul of Tattooing in the Heart of Barcelona
June 27, 2025
Art in a Bottle: The Unconventional World of Orin Swift
June 24, 2025
Barrel Proof & Ink Approved: Our Picks for National Bourbon Day
June 13, 2025

Recommended For You

Burna Boy No Sign of Weakness INKED Recommends
Burna Boy’s Newest Album, “No Sign of Weakness,” Dropped Today
Cervena Fox Culture
Inked Girl of the Month: Cervena Fox Is Lighting Up the Stage and the Tattoo World
INKED Recommends
Chipotle Celebrates Friday the 13th with Free Tattoos and BOGO Burritos
INKED Recommends
Labubu Tattoos: The Toy Craze Taking Over Tattoo Culture
earthlite-tattoo
InkedMag

QUICK LINKS

  • Top Stories
  • Culture
  • Art
  • Music
  • Events
  • Store
  • Tattoo Shops
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • SUBSCRIPTION
  • INKED COVER GIRL
  • MEDIA KIT
  • DMCA
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS & CONDITIONS

Input your search keywords and press Enter.