"Repping Kobe just to choke" - NBA fans react to Lamar Jackson rocking Kobe Bryant shirt for Bills vs Ravens game

Baltimore Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson paid tribute to late LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant ahead of Sunday's home matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Jackson's pregame gesture elicited mixed NBA fan reactions, with some taking exception to his fashion choice.

Jackson and Baltimore began their Week 4 "Sunday Night Football" showdown looking to return to .500 after their sub-par 1-2 start to the 2024-25 season. However, they faced a tough task, hosting an undefeated Buffalo squad (3-0).

Entering the M&T Bank Stadium, Jackson donned a Bryant shirt featuring images of the five-time NBA champion from various moments of his illustrious 20-year career.

The Ravens' X/Twitter account posted a video of the two-time NFL MVP's pregame entrance, captioning it, "LJ repping Kobe for primetime."

Afterward, the organization tweeted a photo of Jackson in his Bryant-themed attire, referencing the 18-time NBA All-Star's legendary mindset.

"Channeling the Mamba Mentality," the account captioned the post.

Some fans on X appreciated Jackson's Bryant tribute, commending his pregame outfit.

"While most modern-day athletes use Mamba Mentality as a catchphrase, you get the feeling Lamar lives it and puts the work in just like Kobe," @Eanagy33 said.

"Now that’s a look for your franchise QB," @Flogman320 wrote.

"Kobe [is] definitely looking up at him right now!" @WilsonBengals69 said.

However, others seemingly felt that, given Baltimore's poor record, Jackson was unworthy of sporting a Bryant shirt.

"Don’t disrespect Kobe," @WhoDeyRitchie wrote.

"Channeling the L mentality," @BengalsHead said.

"Repping Kobe just to choke. (Please prove me wrong)," @5ohyeet wrote.

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Lamar Jackson also paid tribute to Kobe Bryant following his untimely death

Sunday evening wasn't the first time Lamar Jackson paid tribute to Kobe Bryant. He also did so after the Lakers icon's unexpected death in a helicopter crash in 2020.

Speaking at his first Pro Bowl, Jackson raved about Bryant's immense athletic impact.

"That's a legend, man," Jackson said. "And he did so much for the game of basketball, a lot of people look up to Kobe Bryant, including myself. He's a great player, and from what I've heard, he's a great person as well, so my heart and prayers are with his family."

Jackson noted that he never met Bryant in person. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude to the Hall of Famer for sending him an autographed jersey when he was drafted in 2018.

"It means a lot, that's one of the GOATs," Jackson said. "Him, [Michael Jordan] and LeBron [James], [they are] the top three. I ain't seen nobody else."

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