Lakers could retire two different jersey numbers for Kobe Bryant
When the Lakers inevitably retire Kobe Bryant’s number, they may not have to choose between the two numbers he’s worn in his NBA career.
“Obviously it's going to be 8, 24 or it could be both,” general manager Mitch Kupchak said Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Bryant wore No. 24 in high school before switching to 33. When he was drafted by the Hornets and traded to the Lakers in 1996, 33 was retired in honor of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and 24 was taken by George McCloud so he decided on No. 8. Bryant changed his number to 24 for the 2006–07 season.
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The Lakers won three championships before Bryant switched jersey numbers and two championships after the switch.
- Dan Gartland