What’s Kobe’s number? This question has been on the minds of basketball fans and enthusiasts for years. Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, wore several jersey numbers throughout his illustrious career. From his high school days to his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe’s number has become synonymous with his iconic status in the sport. Let’s dive into the story behind Kobe’s number and its significance in the world of basketball.
Kobe Bryant began his journey in the sport at a young age, playing for Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania. During his time at the high school, Kobe wore the number 24 on his jersey. This number became his signature throughout his entire career, even after he switched to the Los Angeles Lakers. The number 24 was not only a symbol of Kobe’s talent and determination but also represented his jersey number when he was drafted by the Lakers in 1996.
When Kobe joined the Lakers, he initially wore the number 8, which was the number assigned to him by the team. However, it didn’t take long for Kobe to switch to the number 24. The number 24 was significant to Kobe because it was the same number worn by his idol, Jerry West, who was also a legendary Lakers player. Kobe wanted to pay homage to West and carry on the legacy of the number.
Throughout his 20 seasons with the Lakers, Kobe’s number 24 became a symbol of excellence and success. He won five NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and was named the NBA Finals MVP twice. Kobe’s jersey sales skyrocketed, and he became one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.
However, in the 2003-2004 season, Kobe switched to the number 33. This decision was influenced by his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, who believed that the number 33 would bring good luck to Kobe. The number 33 also had personal significance, as it was the jersey number of Kobe’s favorite player, Michael Jordan. Despite the change, Kobe continued to wear the number 24 on his Lakers jersey during the off-season.
In the final season of his career, the 2015-2016 season, Kobe wore the number 8 again. This marked a return to his original number with the Lakers, as he wanted to honor the team’s rich history and the legacy of Jerry West. Kobe’s decision to switch back to the number 8 was a powerful reminder of the bond he shared with the Lakers organization and the fans who supported him throughout his career.
In conclusion, Kobe Bryant’s number has become an integral part of his identity and legacy in the world of basketball. Whether it was the number 24, 33, or 8, Kobe’s jersey number has always been a symbol of his talent, dedication, and love for the game. What’s Kobe’s number? It’s a number that will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of basketball fans around the globe.
