Kobe Bryant has won championships with two jersey numbers – Nos 8 and 24. Winslow Townson / AP Photo
Kobe Bryant has won championships with two jersey numbers – Nos 8 and 24. Winslow Townson / AP Photo
Kobe Bryant has won championships with two jersey numbers – Nos 8 and 24. Winslow Townson / AP Photo
Kobe Bryant has won championships with two jersey numbers – Nos 8 and 24. Winslow Townson / AP Photo

Sport

Kobe Bryant’s numbers to be retired, but Los Angeles Lakers undecided on which one

The NBA franchise will next year lift one of the retiring legend's numbers into the arena rafters. Or, two of them.

Reuters

January 05, 2016

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LOS ANGELES // Kobe Bryant has enjoyed an illustrious career while wearing two separate jersey numbers and with his final chapter approaching it has left the Los Angeles Lakers with a decision about which one to retire.

“Obviously it’s going to be [Nos] 8, 24 or it could be both,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. “I don’t know the answer.”

Bryant wore No 8 from the time he broke into the team in the 1996/97 campaign, won three championships and delivered an unforgettable 81-point performances while wearing it.

He changed to No 24 prior to the 2006/07 season, won two more championships and is wearing it in his 20th, and final, season in the NBA which has been on something of an extended farewell tour.

“This is a year that’s dedicated to Kobe and his farewell,” Kupchak said.

And next year the Lakers will lift one of Bryant’s numbers into the arena rafters. Or, two of them.

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