During Game 5 of the NBA Finals, most of the attention was (rightfully) on SGA and his teammate Jalen Williams as the Oklahoma City Thunder pushed within one win of their first-ever championship, but what some Los Angeles fans noticed was a subtle tribute to Kobe Bryant that made the moment even more meaningful.
It had nothing to do with scoring or flashy highlights. It wasn’t part of the pre-game ceremony or a halftime performance. But in one quiet detail, a tribute to Kobe Bryant made its way into the biggest basketball stage of the year.
Why Jalen Williams and SGA are channeling the legacy of Kobe Bryant
Before joining the NBA, Jalen Williams wore the number 24 during his high school and college years—a direct tribute to Kobe Bryant. Now, with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he sports the number 8, continuing to honor the late Lakers legend.
In a pre-game interview during the Finals, Williams revealed that it’s not just about the number—it’s about the mindset. He credited the Mamba Mentality for fueling what’s becoming one of the best series of his young career, saying that Kobe’s approach to pressure, preparation, and performance is something he’s trying to channel every night on the court.
While SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) has dominated headlines with his MVP-level performances, Jalen Williams is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young players in the league. His 40-point game in the Finals put him in elite company, passing Bryant’s own record for fastest 40-point Finals game in terms of minutes played.
Williams has an entire Highlights section on his Instagram profile dedicated solely to Kobe Bryant. This is a clear sign that Bryant has been a major inspiration throughout Williams’s career.
The sneaker game was also part of the tribute
If you looked down at Jalen Williams’ sneakers, you’d have seen a pair of purple Adidas EQT Elevations—yes, the same pair Kobe Bryant wore during his rookie season when he won the Slam Dunk Contest in 1997. The choice wasn’t random.
This low-key tribute flew under the radar for many viewers, but for Lakers fans and Angelenos still carrying Kobe’s legacy in their hearts, it was a subtle nod that meant everything.
For casual fans, it may have gone unnoticed. But for Los Angeles? This was a tribute that hit home. And in a Finals series not featuring the Lakers, it was a reminder: Kobe’s presence is still everywhere in the game he loved.