Oklahoma City Thunder standout Jalen Williams paid tribute to Kobe Bryant in a memorable way during the team’s 2025 NBA championship run, despite suffering a torn ligament in his right wrist. Williams continued to contribute throughout the playoffs, displaying determination that mirrored the Lakers legend’s resilience.
In his second postseason appearance, Williams played 23 games, posting impressive averages of 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. During the intense seven-game Finals series against the Indiana Pacers, he elevated his performance to average 23.6 points, five rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, playing a vital role in securing the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the Thunder.
The Inspiration Behind Williams’s Custom Kobe Tribute Shirt
Following the championship victory, Williams drew inspiration from Kobe Bryant’s legacy by creating a custom shirt that paid homage to the Lakers legend. Nike had previously produced a special edition shirt featuring an X-ray of Bryant’s right hand adorned with five NBA championship rings, alongside images highlighting the injuries Bryant endured. Williams adapted the concept by displaying an X-ray of his own injured wrist with his first championship ring, signaling the challenges he overcame during the playoffs.
The tribute resonated differently among fans, sparking a range of opinions. Some criticized the gesture as excessive,
“rage baiting more than tatum,” a fan said.
“He becoming more corny than Tatum,” another fan commented.
“You have to actually have 5 rings for it to work bro,” one fan said.
Conversely, other supporters praised Williams for his boldness and authentic expression of respect:
“hard af and if you think otherwise you’re hating!!!” a comment read.
“I want that shirt,” someone commented.
“jalen really said ‘mamba cosplay activated’ and nailed it,” a fan said.
Williams Declares Kobe Bryant as His GOAT Inspiration
In the ongoing debates about the greatest NBA player of all time, Kobe Bryant is often overshadowed by Michael Jordan and LeBron James. However, Williams openly named Bryant as his personal GOAT, reaffirming the five-time champion’s influence on his career. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Williams shared a photo collage showing him shooting a free throw with his left hand due to his injured right wrist, paired with a similar image of Bryant doing the same.
Although some fans dismissed the parallel as corny, Williams firmly stood by his admiration, responding directly:
“he da goat,” Williams replied.
This sentiment reflects the lasting impact Bryant has on younger players like Williams, who grew up watching the Hall of Famer carve out his legendary path in the NBA.
Significance of Williams’s Tribute and What It Means Moving Forward
Jalen Williams’s Kobe Bryant tribute during the Thunder’s championship run highlights the ongoing reverence players hold for NBA icons beyond just statistics and rings. By proudly displaying his own battle-scarred wrist alongside his first title, Williams connects past greatness with his present achievements. This moment not only honors Bryant’s legacy but also showcases the intensity and resilience required to win at the highest level. As Williams’s career progresses, his willingness to embrace such tributes may continue to inspire debates about legacy, influence, and what it truly means to be great in the NBA.