When Kobe Bryant Dubbed Jewell Loyd ‘Gold Mamba’ And She Got It Tattooed Forever
Jewell Loyd mentioned that she tattooed Kobe Bryant’s letter to her as she looks up to her mentor, who named her Gold Mamba.
Jewell Loyd is a superstar guard in the WNBA, widely known for her scoring, athleticism, and competitive energy. She was named the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft, became Rookie of the Year in her first season, and has since evolved into one of the league’s premier offensive weapons and leaders.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jewell Loyd |
| Born | October 5, 1993 (Age: 31) |
| Hometown | Lincolnwood, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Position | Guard |
| College | Notre Dame |
| WNBA Draft | 2015 – 1st Round, 1st Overall (Seattle Storm) |
| Current Team | Las Vegas Aces (as of 2025) |
| Major Honors | WNBA Rookie of the Year (2015), 6× All-Star, 3× All-WNBA, 2× WNBA Champion (2018, 2020), 2023 Scoring Champion, 2023 All-Star MVP |
| Career Milestone | Reached 5,000 career points in June 2024 |
| Nickname | “Gold Mamba” |
| Notable Moment | Held All-Star Game 3-point and scoring records (2023 ASG with 31 points) |
| Recent News | Traded to Las Vegas in 2025; harassment complaint closed after review |
| Social Media | jewellloyd (Instagram, Twitter/X) |
Born on October 5, 1993, in Lincolnwood, Illinois, Loyd played high school basketball at Niles West before starring at Notre Dame. At ND, she became one of the most decorated players in program history, known for her work ethic and two-way impact.
Loyd was selected 1st overall by the Seattle Storm in 2015. She won Rookie of the Year that season and blossomed into an elite scorer and wing defender.
Over her career, she earned 6× All-Star selections, 3× All-WNBA honors, 2× WNBA Championships (2018, 2020), and captured the 2023 scoring title after averaging a league-best 25.7 points per game.
In a major 2025 trade, Loyd moved to the Las Vegas Aces in a three-team deal, ending her decade-long tenure with Seattle. The WNBA also reviewed and ultimately closed a harassment complaint she filed against Seattle’s coaching staff, after an independent investigation found no wrongdoing.
Loyd is known in media circles as the “Gold Mamba,” a nickname coined by Kobe Bryant—a nod to her lethal offensive execution and mamba mentality. She’s also praised for setting team records and reaching 5,000 career points by June 2024, making her one of the youngest players to achieve that milestone.

Jewell Loyd mentioned that she tattooed Kobe Bryant’s letter to her as she looks up to her mentor, who named her Gold Mamba.

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