7
May
See Player Tattoos
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka's l-ink to Australia
NBA superstar Luka Doncic has a tattoo of the world map on his back, which features Australia sitting on his right shoulder. Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
NBA Players and the Tattoo Evolution: Art, Identity and Self Expression
- Once frowned upon, tattoos are now prolific in the NBA players
- LeBron James, Luka Doncic, LaMelo Ball, Damian Lillard, Zion Williamson all have prominent tattoos
- Allen Iverson was a tattoo trailblazer in the 1990s
NBA superstar Luka Doncic has a permanent l-ink to Australia.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard, former Rookie of the Year and five-time All NBA First Team player, has a tattoo of a world map on the right side of his back, which Australia sits prominently on his right shoulder.
Doncic is just one of scores of NBA players with tattoos. But they haven't always been as accepted in the NBA as they are now.
Very few players had ink before the 1990s and Allen Iverson was stigmatised early for his body art as a pioneer. who defied the league's clean-cut image. In the 2000s, though, players such as NBA champion Rasheed Wallace and JR Smith made body art part of their identity. As the first decade of the new Millennium came to a close tattoos were here to stay (literally) with superstars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Damian Lillard proudly showcasing extensive ink.
The trend thrust tattooists such as Steve Wiebe, who worked with Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jayson Tatum, Ganga Tattoo (LeBron James, Odell Beckham Jr.), Tatted Up Manny (John Wall, Jordan Clarkson) and Mister Cartoon (cultural icon tied to hip hop and basketball crossover) into the spotlight.
Tattoos are now very much a part of NBA culture and popular culture with fans copying their favourite stars ink while former NBL Next Star LaMelo Ball building body art into his personal brand.
The Superstars with tattoos
- LeBron James — “Chosen 1” on his back — family tributes and career milestones
- Stephen Curry — Subtle tattoos — Hebrew scripture, wife’s initials
- Kevin Durant — Chest and back tattoos — Tupac, biblical themes
- Luka Dončić — Tiger, “No Lies – Just Love” — family initials
- Jayson Tatum — Portraits of family — son’s name, scripture
- Devin Booker — Minimalist ink — hummingbird, “Be Legendary”
- Ja Morant — Arms and chest covered — family, faith, life mottos
- Damian Lillard — Tributes to Oakland — motivational symbols
- Kyrie Irving — Spiritual, Native American, and family themes
- Anthony Davis — Personal messages — tributes to Chicago
- LaMelo Ball — Sleeves — family, flames, religious designs
- Zion Williamson — Lion and strength-themed tattoos
Other stars with ink
- Bradley Beal — Full sleeve — personal messages and artwork
- Kelly Oubre Jr. — Known for extensive and artistic tattoos
- Jordan Clarkson — Polynesian, Filipino, and spiritual ink
- D’Angelo Russell — Full sleeves and chest work
- Jimmy Butler — Shoulder and arm tattoos
- DeMarcus Cousins — Family tributes — personal philosophy
- Dennis Schröder — Tattooed torso and arms
- Austin Reaves — Family birth years — motto tattoos
- Marcus Smart — Bold religious and family-themed tattoos
Photo Gallery: NBA Player Tattoos
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