In the world of basketball, respect for the game’s legends often goes beyond words, and South Sudanese guard Carlik Jones just proved that in the most permanent way possible. The Chicago Bulls point guard and South Sudan national team standout has unveiled a bold new tattoo that’s turning heads across the basketball community: a portrait of himself standing alongside none other than NBA icon LeBron James.
Jones, who has been steadily making a name for himself both in the NBA and on the international stage, shared the striking ink on social media, and fans are loving it. The tattoo, a detailed black-and-grey piece, captures a special moment where Jones and LeBron are together in a photograph. For Carlik, the tattoo represents more than just a cool piece of body art—it’s a symbol of respect, motivation, and a visual reminder of how far he’s come in his career.
Many fans online reacted with fire emojis and praise, calling the artwork “legendary” and “a real hoop dream moment.” After all, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with LeBron James is not something every player gets to experience, let alone memorialize on their skin.
Carlik Jones has earned his way to this point through sheer persistence. After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, the University of Louisville product didn’t give up. He bounced around between the G League and NBA rosters before finally landing a multi-year contract with the Chicago Bulls. At the same time, he embraced his role as a leader of South Sudan’s national basketball team, helping them make historic strides on the international basketball scene.
Jones’s contribution to South Sudan’s basketball rise has been significant. The team, which made headlines with a surprise qualification for the FIBA World Cup, has become one of the feel-good stories in international basketball. Their success not only put South Sudan on the basketball map but also inspired countless young players across Africa.
The tattoo also reflects a larger trend in basketball culture—players paying tribute to the game’s greats. LeBron James is more than just a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players of all time; he’s a symbol of longevity, greatness, and inspiration to countless players worldwide. For Carlik Jones, capturing a personal moment with LeBron in ink is his way of acknowledging that inspiration while celebrating a milestone in his own journey.
Fans and fellow players have flooded Jones’s social media with reactions, celebrating both the artistry of the tattoo and the sentiment behind it. Some see it as a motivational message to the next generation: that dreams can become reality with hard work, dedication, and persistence.
As Jones continues to develop his game in the NBA and help elevate South Sudanese basketball, his tattoo will serve as a lasting reminder of where he’s been, who he’s met, and the levels he still aims to reach. One thing is clear—Carlik Jones is playing his own game, making bold moves both on and off the court.