Jayson Tatum has been open for his entire basketball career about the way he idolizes the late, great Kobe Bryant. And now, after the worst news of Tatum's career, that admiration comes into focus more than ever.

After he suffered a catastrophic Achilles rupture May 12 against the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum needed a few words of encouragement. His dad, Justin Tatum, also offered his son words of wisdom.

Los Angeles Lakers fans are very familiar with this injury. It's the same injury that Kobe Bryant suffered back in the 2013 season, also late in the season. Tatum idolized Bryant growing up, calling him his favorite player as a kid. Now that he has suffered the same injury as his idol, fans have compared the two getting the same injury.