Fans Cringe at Jayson Tatum’s Kobe Bryant Imitation After NBA Finals

Following the Boston Celtics' 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, securing their first championship since 2008, NBA fans are cringing at Jayson Tatum.

After the Celtics eliminated Dallas in a gentleman’s sweep, Tatum and the team celebrated in their locker room, marking their 18th NBA championship—an NBA record.

While the celebrations of many players resembled those of most professional athletes, one moment stood out, leaving fans outraged all over social media.

Tatum was recorded holding the Larry O'Brien trophy in a pose reminiscent of the iconic Kobe Bryant championship photo, which hasn’t set well with NBA fans at all.

"Twitter about to have a field day when the front angle pic drops," said one fan.

"You’re not Kobe, bro," said another.

"HES DOING THE KOBE POSE NOOOOOO," said one more.

Tatum has openly expressed his admiration for NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and he paid tribute to Bryant in a respectful manner during this year's NBA Finals, wearing a Celtics shirt identical to one worn by Bryant during his pre-draft workout with Boston in 1996.

Tatum credits Bryant for his love for the game and why he started playing basketball in the first place.

"The reason I started to play this game, the reason I fell in love with this game," posted Tatum on his Instagram, honoring Bryant after his death. "Growing up wanting to be just like you, to you becoming a mentor, beyond thankful for everything you’ve done for me."

Jayson Tatum pumps up the Boston Celtics crowd. © Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

While it's commendable that Tatum is honoring Kobe in many ways, it appears that some fans are not particularly fond of some of the gestures.