During a Thursday Lakers practice, a new addition to LeBron James’ collection of tattoos was spotted, this one with a meaning close to his heart.

The pro baller was seen with a black mamba snake tattoo, honoring his close friend, Kobe Bryant, on his left thigh. The tattoo also seems to say “Mamba 4 Life” according to Business Insider.

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I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have. WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!! ????????????????????. Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation???????? and it’s my responsibility to put this shit on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!! #Mamba4Life❤️???????? #Gigi4Life❤️????????

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Teammate Anthony Davis also honored No. 24 by getting new ink. The power forward got a snake tattoo as well but on his right thigh.

The two NBA stars hit up Riverside-based tattoo artist Vanessa Aurelia. They both captured their ink sessions on Instagram stories, which Aurelia reposted.

Attempting to lighten his players’ week while they grieve their friend, Lakers coach Frank Vogel took practice across the street to an outdoor field. After the workout, the team played a short game of football, reports ESPN.

"One of the luxuries of living in Los Angeles," Vogel said. "It's a beautiful day out. There's always therapeutic benefits to sunshine and being outside in the fresh air."

After the helicopter crash that claimed nine lives, Vogel said the team is using practice to get their minds off the tragedy. The Lakers canceled a game earlier this week but will return to Staples center on Friday in their first match after Bryant’s death.

“The last two days has really been about the work. Our mindset has just been let's attack the work. This is what we get lost in,” Vogel said. “This is our mindset from day one of training camp just to stay in the moment and focus on what we can accomplish today. They've had that mindset the last couple days and [it's] been great."

Inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s 2003 film, Kill Bill, the soon-to-be hall of famer adopted “Black Mamba” as his basketball alter ego.

“I read up on the animal and said, ‘Wow, this is pretty awesome.’ This is a perfect description of how I would want my game to be,” Bryant told the New Yorker.

Bryant said the nickname was a way of coping after his arrest in 2003 for sexual assault. The charges were later dismissed, and a civil settlement was reached.

“After the Colorado incident, I had every major sponsor drop me, except for Nike. So I’m sitting there thinking, What am I going to do now? My vision was to build a brand and do all these things,” he said. “The name just evokes such a negative emotion. I said, ‘If I create this alter ego, so now when I play this is what’s coming out of your mouth, it separates the personal stuff, right?’ You’re not watching David Banner—you’re watching the Hulk.”

Before his tragic death, which shocked the world, the father of four filed to trademark “Mambacita” for his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who also lost her life in the helicopter crash. Bryant intended to print the nickname, a play on her father’s, on athleisure, according to People.  

The trademark was filed last month, on December 30. The trademark is still pending according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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