In a move that has stunned the NBA community and sparked widespread conversation across the sports world, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams has announced that he will legally change his name to Kobe Bryant ahead of the upcoming NBA season. The 23-year-old rising star made the revelation in a heartfelt social media post, expressing deep admiration for the late basketball legend and explaining the personal significance behind the decision.
Williams, who has steadily gained recognition for his versatile skill set, relentless work ethic, and poise on the court, cited Kobe Bryant as his lifelong inspiration — both as an athlete and as a person. “Kobe wasn’t just my favorite player,” Williams wrote. “He was the reason I picked up a basketball. Everything I’ve tried to become — as a player, as a competitor, as a man — has roots in what he stood for. This is my way of honoring that forever.”
The announcement was met with a mix of surprise, support, and curiosity. While athletes often pay tribute to their idols through jersey numbers, tattoos, or ceremonial gestures, it is virtually unheard of for an active professional player to adopt the actual name of a sports icon. Legal experts confirmed that the process is well within Williams’ rights, and he has reportedly already begun the paperwork required for the name change to be made official before the start of the 2025–26 NBA season.
Williams will not only be changing his legal name to Kobe Bryant but is also expected to wear No. 8 next season — one of the two jersey numbers famously worn by Bryant during his storied career with the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA has not indicated any opposition to the change, though league officials are said to be reviewing merchandising and branding implications tied to the move.
Fans and players across the league have shared their thoughts on the announcement. Thunder teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praised the decision, calling it “bold, personal, and rooted in real love for the game.” Others, however, have expressed concerns that the name change might be viewed as excessive or potentially confusing, especially considering Kobe Bryant’s enduring legacy and the emotional weight tied to his name since his tragic passing in 2020.
Williams addressed those sentiments directly in his post. “This isn’t about copying Kobe. This is about carrying his name with the respect it deserves and continuing to live by what he taught all of us — the Mamba Mentality,” he wrote. “This is about gratitude, legacy, and responsibility.”
Jalen Williams was drafted by the Thunder in 2022 and has quickly become one of the league’s most promising young talents. Known for his two-way play, basketball IQ, and leadership, he has drawn comparisons to several NBA greats. With the name change
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