By Kenneth Cruz
EBC Sports International, Los Angeles Bureau
LOS ANGELES (Eagle News) – For 20 years, Kobe Bean Bryant entertained, inspired, and motivated millions upon millions of basketball fans all over the world. For all 20 of those years, Bryant suited up with only one team’s jersey: the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Bryant represented two different jersey numbers: 8 and 24. Bryant won three championships wearing #8, and two championships as an elder statesmen wearing #24.
His resume is extensive and matched only by few in the history of the NBA. With 33,643 career points, he ranks 3rd all time in scoring. His 81 points vs the Raptors in 2006 is the second most points scored in a game behind Wilt Chamberlains 100 points. While his 60 points in his final NBA game in 2016 was the most by any player in NBA history.
So last night, in honor of Bryant’s illustrious career, the Lakers organization retired not just one, but both of his numbers: 8 and 24.
During the halftime of the Warriors vs the Lakers game, Bryant along with many of his past teammates, witnessed his two jerseys hoisted into the rafters to be immortalized with the rest of the Lakers greats. It was a historic moment as he became the first-ever player to have two jerseys retired on the same team. No one will ever wear 8 or 24 while wearing the purple and gold.
The stars were out tonight to show their support for Bryant, believed to be one of the greatest ever to play basketball. Lakers president Magic Johnson and Owner Jeannie Buss both spoke of their love for the former Laker, and what he means to the franchise. Bryant then delivered an emotional speech after his two numbers were revealed in the rafters, making him the 10th Laker to have his jersey retired. (Eagle News)
