In a historic moment for basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers bestowed a unique honour upon their legendary star, Kobe Bryant. On December 18, 2017, during a halftime ceremony at the Staples Centre, the franchise retired both his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys. This poignant tribute, which took on profound new significance following his tragic passing in January 2020, cemented Bryant's unparalleled status in the annals of the sport.
The Unprecedented Double Retirement
With this ceremony, Kobe Bryant achieved a feat never seen before in the history of major US sports leagues. He became the first and only player to have two different jersey numbers retired by the same franchise. The Lakers organisation, acknowledging the monumental achievements he accrued under both numbers, decided it was impossible to honour one without the other. This act also made him the tenth player in the storied history of the Los Angeles Lakers to receive the ultimate team honour of a jersey retirement.
Two Numbers, One Legendary Career
Bryant's two-decade career with the Lakers was distinctly divided between the two numbers, each representing a different chapter of his evolution. He entered the NBA in 1996, directly from high school, wearing No. 8. The number had personal roots, linked to the number 143 he wore at an Adidas camp, which sums to eight, and his early playing days in Italy.
After the 2005-06 season, Bryant switched to No. 24, a number he had worn in high school. The change symbolised a new phase. As Bryant himself explained, his No. 8 persona was about proving himself with relentless energy. The No. 24 chapter reflected growth, maturity, and leadership.
The Legacy in Numbers
The statistical output under each jersey underscores why both deserved immortality. Wearing No. 8, Bryant scored 16,777 points, won three NBA championships, and was selected for eight All-Star games. After switching to No. 24, he added another 16,866 points, two more NBA titles, an MVP award, and ten additional All-Star selections. He remarkably won a scoring title while wearing each number.
The jerseys, now forever displayed in the rafters, tell the complete story of a fearless young phenom who grew into a complete basketball legend. For fans and the organisation, the dual retirement is a fitting tribute to a player who gave two iconic identities to the city of Los Angeles, each worthy of eternal recognition.
