Throughout his legendary 20-year NBA career, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant became known as the type of player who wore his emotions on his sleeve.
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Tribute to VanessaNext of KinA Tribute to the Almighty
Over time, he also got ink done that put aspects of his personal life on his sleeve, so to speak.
Bryant had several tattoos on his right bicep and forearm that were a reminder that as much as he was a basketball demon, he was also all about faith and family.
Interestingly, early in Bryant’s career, he had the image of that clean-cut boy next door who would likely never get any type of body art done. That began to change in 2003, when his life took a strange turn.
It was the year he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman who worked at a hotel in Colorado. The case was later dismissed by the accuser’s legal team, but Bryant did admit to having intercourse with her.
This came as a shock to the five-time NBA champ’s legion of fans, who could hardly imagine him engaging in any type of illegal or immoral activity.
To make amends with his wife Vanessa, Kobe Bryant got his first tattoo on his right arm shortly afterward.
Tribute to Vanessa
The tattoo depicts a king’s crown with large butterfly wings on top of it. Underneath it is the name “Vanessa,” along with a pair of angel wings.
Kobe Bryant publicly pledged his love for his wife shortly after the assault charges were levied against him. At a press conference that was held, he let his beloved know how much she meant to him.
“You’re my backbone. You’re a blessing. You’re a piece of my heart. You’re the air I breathe,” an emotional Kobe Bryant said to wife. “And you’re the strongest person I know, and I’m so sorry for having to put you through this and having to put our family through this.”
Their marriage went through some ups and downs through the years, but forgiveness was in order before long, and their partnership grew stronger with time.
Of course, adding new members to their clan didn’t hurt either.
Next of Kin
On his forearm, Kobe Bryant had a tattoo with the names of his first three daughters: Natalia Diamante, Gianna Maria Onore and Bianka Bella.
Underneath the first name is the image of a diamond, since diamante is the Italian word for diamond. The name seems to be a tribute to the seven years of his childhood he spent in Italy, which had a huge influence on his upbringing.
Kobe Bryant was supposed to add the name of his youngest daughter, Capri Kobe, shortly before his tragic death in late January.
A Tribute to the Almighty
Also on Kobe Bryant’s bicep, underneath the angel wings, are the words “Psalm XXVII.”
Although Kobe Bryant rarely talked about it or gave any clues, he was a man of God. His Catholic faith likely helped him get through all the rough times in his career, both on and off the court.
If there was one man who exemplified persevering through extreme adversity and emerging from it stronger, it was Kobe Bryant. His ironclad determination and will to win were as much factors in his fame and popularity as any of his dunks or game-winning shots.
FAQs
In 2003, Bryant got his wife's name and angel wings tattooed on his arm, amidst sexual assault allegations. After getting the tattoo, Bryant spoke out about his wife in an interview, saying: “You're my backbone. You're a blessing. You're a piece of my heart.
What does butterfly crown mean? ›
The Butterfly Crown tattoo design portrays a woman with a crown of butterflies wrapped around her head. The crown is an emblem of metamorphosis and transformation – she sees nothing but freedom and a bright future, and is embracing her journey to self-discovery and empowerment.
What is the tattoo on Kobe Bryant's psalm 27? ›
He literally wore his faith on his sleeve — if one bothered to notice. In tribute to his wife, Bryant had a tattoo inked on his right bicep featuring her name, a crown, angel wings and Psalm 27. The psalm opens this way: “The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear?
When did Kobe Bryant get his first tattoo? ›
Bryant loved tattoos. In 2003, after a woman accused him of rape, he placed a butterfly crown tattoo on his right upper arm along with his wife's name, Vanessa, above a halo and wings near his triceps.
What does Kobe mean spiritually? ›
Kobe (given name)
| Origin |
|---|
| Word/name | Ancient Hebrew, Early common era Japan |
| Meaning | Supplanter, God's door, God may protect, tortoise etc. |
| Other names |
| Alternative spelling | Coby |
6 more rowsLeBron James and Anthony Davis have paid tribute to Kobe Bryant with new 'Black Mamba' tattoos on their thighs. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have paid their respects to Kobe Bryant by getting "Black Mamba" tattoos.
What does the 5 point crown tattoo mean? ›
The 5 point crown is a symbol of the Latin Kings gang, one of the biggest hispanic gangs in the US, which originated in 1940s Chicago. The crown tattoo will often be accompanied by the letters ALKN, which means Almighty Latin Kings Nation.
What does a 3 pointed crown mean? ›
3 Point Crown Tattoo Meaning & Symbolism (Perseverance). The 3 point cross tattoo can be interpreted in a number of ways, but it is often seen as a symbol of strength and power. #
What does the 3 butterfly tattoo behind the ear mean? ›
It may represent a significant change or evolution in the wearer's life. Freedom: Butterflies are known for their graceful and free-spirited flight.
What is tattooed on LeBron's back? ›
The “Chosen One” Tattoo
Meaning: This tattoo is located on LeBron's back and is his first tattoo. It represents his nickname, “The Chosen One,” which was given to him by Sports Illustrated when he was still in high school. The tattoo also features an image of a lion, symbolizing strength and courage.
Curry has two tattoos on his wrists, on the right there is a Hebrew passage, and on the left, the words 'TCC' and the number 30. The Hebrew writing is from 1 Corinthians 13:8. The words mean, love never fails. This matches the one his wife has and the word 'TCC' stands for Trust, Commitment and Care.
What is LeBron's tattoo? ›
On his right bicep, you'll find the 'Crowned Lion King James' tattoo, a design that evolved during his debut NBA season. This intricate ink serves as a powerful symbol of LeBron's reign as the king of basketball. Above the majestic lion, the word 'King' is inscribed, while 'James' is positioned below it.
Why did Kobe wear 8 and 24? ›
He switched from 8 to 24. The reason for his switch is similar to most other players who switch their jersey numbers - they wore it at some point in the past. Bryant wore 24 at Lower Merion High School before being drafted by the Hornets, traded to the Lakers, and being a part of a championship team wearing number 8.
What does 2 8 24 Kobe mean? ›
But fitting the statue ceremony in between at 3:30 was important for the numerology. Thursday is Feb. 8, 2024 -- 2/8/24 -- a calendar date that not only includes both of Bryant's numbers, but the No. 2 that his late daughter Gianna, who also died in the crash, wore as a budding basketball phenom.
What is the meaning Steph Curry tattoo? ›
Curry has two tattoos on his wrists, on the right there is a Hebrew passage, and on the left, the words 'TCC' and the number 30. The Hebrew writing is from 1 Corinthians 13:8. The words mean, love never fails. This matches the one his wife has and the word 'TCC' stands for Trust, Commitment and Care.
Why is Kobe called the snake? ›
He decided to adopt the nickname to help him transform into the player he aspired to be. During a conversation with Ahmad Rashad in 2015, Bryant further explained his inspiration behind his chosen nickname, stating, “When I step on that court, I become that. I am that killer snake. I'm stone cold, man.”
What is the meaning of prayer tattoo? ›
A praying hands tattoo is a powerful symbol representing deep faith, spirituality, and devotion. It can also serve as a tribute to loved ones or a reminder of hope and strength during challenging times.#
