Jayson Tatum's comments reflects the influence of Kobe Bryant & Pau Gasol's Lakers in his career: "Kobe needed Pau, I feel like KP is the missing piece"

The player that Jayson Tatum idolized while he was growing up, the player he wants to emulate and honor his legacy has always been Kobe Bryant. Now, in a recent interview, Tatum praised the arrival of Kristaps Porzingis to the team, comparing him to the crucial acquisition of Pau Gasol to that Lakers team of late 2000's that ended up with two consecutive rings.

In the Kobe Bryant era, Bryant formed a successful partnership with Pau Gasol, an alliance designed to chase NBA titles. The partnership led the Lakers to three consecutive Finals from the 2007-08 season, culminating in back-to-back titles against the Orlando Magic and Tatum's own Celtics.

Today, Jayson Tatum finds himself in an analogous situation as he recalls the summer the Celtics added talented European big man Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis' arrival has turned the Celtics into a feared contender, especially in the Eastern Conference.

Reflecting on this move in the offseason, Tatum draw a parallel it to the partnership between Bryant and Gasol. He expressed, "Kobe really needed Pau for those last two championships they won together. Whatever path I'm on and we're on, KP really feels like the missing piece."

However, the decision to trade for Porzingis was not an easy one. The Celtics had to sacrifice Marcus Smart, a key player on the team, in the deal. Despite the sacrifices, the chemistry between Porzingis and Tatum, as well as with Jaylen Brown, has made the Celtics favorites to contend for the title.

Although Jayson Tatum did not directly share the court with Kobe Bryant due to his retirement, he managed to establish a close bond with the legend. Despite that relationship, Tatum revealed his biggest regret: not communicating more with Bryant.

"It's bittersweet. I can't believe he's not here anymore. What I regret is not calling him more. I wish I had texted him more," Tatum confessed, noting his desire to have further strengthened his connection with the mentor and basketball legend.

Although Bryant insisted on maintaining contact, Tatum, at the time, admitted his fear of upsetting the two-time Finals MVP. This regret reveals the depth of respect and admiration Tatum had for Bryant, a sentiment shared by many in the NBA and beyond.