Jayson Tatum follows in footsteps of his idol Kobe Bryant in Game 7 win

Who is the youngest player in NBA history to have 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a Game 7?

Kobe Bryant at age 21 (in the 2000 comeback win vs. Portland that included the legendary alley-oop to Shaq).

Who is the second youngest?

Boston’s Jayson Tatum, 22, after his performance leading the Celtics’ to a Game 7 win over the defending champion Raptors Friday night.

Tatum grew up idolizing Kobe — he even got the chance to work out with him for a summer, where Kobe told him to shoot more — and Ernie Johnson asked him about that connection after the game.

“Anytime you mention somebody like that, it means you’re doing something good.”

Tatum has evolved into a superstar player, a cornerstone that the Celtics can build around and be contenders — just like his idol, Kobe.

Tatum takes the next step on that journey starting Tuesday when the Celtics face the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.