LeBron James Shares Tattoo Tribute to Kobe Bryant LeBron James recently took to Instagram to share a close-up look at his new tattoo. The fresh ink is a tribute to Kobe Bryant, who died on Jan. 26 along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others. James’s tattoo features a black snake, referencing Bryant’s “Black Mamba” nickname. The snake is wrapped around Bryant’s two NBA numbers, 8 and 24. It also features the words “Mamba 4 Life” inked below the snake. The tattoo was designed by artist Vanessa Aurelia, who shared a photo of the process on her Instagram. Vanessa Aurelia, via Instagram Aurelia also revealed a similar Bryant tribute piece she did for fellow Los Angeles Laker’s player Anthony Davis. The tattoo is on his right thigh and features a black mamba snake wrapped around Bryant’s logo, “The Sheath.”