Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers to retire Kobe Bryant’s jerseys

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 24: Former Los Angeles Lakers players Shaquille O'Neal (L) Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson during a ceremony where of O'Neal's statue was unveiled at Staples Center March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 24: Former Los Angeles Lakers players Shaquille O'Neal (L) Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson during a ceremony where of O'Neal's statue was unveiled at Staples Center March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Los Angeles Lakers will retire both Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 in a halftime ceremony this season.

Last season was the first time in 20 years that Kobe Bryant was not on the Los Angeles Lakers roster. The Lakers are in a rebuild, as they move away from the Bryant era, one of the greatest stretches in franchise history.

Bryant has been retired for more than a season now and has kept himself busy. He hasn’t been watching much basketball he admitted, instead focusing on his short films, screenwriting and producing. However, Bryant hasn’t been away from basketball altogether.

Players have reached out to workout with Bryant, one of the hardest workers the NBA has ever seen. Kyrie Irving also credited Bryant for his newest shoe design. Bryant was also called one of the most overrated players of All-Time; something that the fans vehemently disagreed with.

Bryant also had a day named after him. August 24th, 8-24, Bryant’s two jersey numbers with the Lakers, was dubbed Mamba Day. On Mamba Day, Bryant distributed challenges to athletes and musicians alike.

More from Lakers News

Milwaukee Bucks forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was challenged by Bryant to win the MVP award. Bryant also challenged Washington Wizards point guard, John Wall, to make the NBA First Team All-Defense.

All of those things are great, but the best news for Bryant came today. It was announced that the Lakers will retire both of Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys this upcoming season. A halftime ceremony is planned for December 18th against the Golden State Warriors at the STAPLES Center.

"“As a kid growing up in Italy, I always dreamed of my jersey hanging in the Lakers rafters, but I certainly never imagined two of them,” said Bryant. “The Lakers have bestowed a huge honor on me and I’m grateful for the fans’ enthusiasm around this game.”"

The Lakers are one of the greatest franchises in NBA history. Bryant will join an elite group of players, becoming the 10th player that will have his number raised to the rafters in the STAPLES Center.

Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Gail Goodrich, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, James Worthy, Jerry West and Jamaal Wilkes have all had their number retired previously.

Next: Top 10 Kobe Bryant Games Of All-Time

Tickets for games against the reigning champion Warriors is already a difficult one to come by. Bryant having his jersey retired at halftime will probably make this the most popular night for the Lakers this season.

Home/Lakers News