Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban announced that the team will retire No. 24 as a tribute for Kobe Bryant after his unfortunate death on the morning of January 26th.
The sad death of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has dominated headlines. Bryant was one of nine people to die in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, Sunday morning.
There were nine people on the helicopter and all nine perished. In addition to Kobe, his daughter, Gianna, one of her teammates, Alyssa, and her parents were the other people identified thus far.
It is a horrible tragedy, but all of the people involved will be remembered fondly. Kobe will be remembered not only for the work he was doing in retirement but for all of the accomplishments he had while playing for the Lakers.
Bryant has tons of accolades to his name. As a result, he had both the No. 8 and No. 24 retired and lifted to the rafters at the Staples Center. His jerseys were illuminated during the Grammy Awards tonight.
Kobe Bryant’s jersey lit up inside the rafters at Staples Center as the #Grammys about to start @THR pic.twitter.com/WtkE5UVbec
— Kirsten Chuba (@KirstenChuba) January 27, 2020
The Lakers aren’t going to be the only franchise to retire Bryant’s number. Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, announced that the franchise will retire Bryant’s No. 24 jersey as a tribute to the Lakers icon.
Marc Stein of the New York Times shared the news on his Twitter account.
Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban announces that no player in Mavericks history will ever wear No. 24 again in tribute to Kobe Bryant
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 27, 2020
This is an incredible gesture by Cuban and the Mavericks. It would not be a surprise if other teams followed suit and retired a number for Bryant as well.
A statement was released by Cuban about Bryant’s passing and the decision to retire the No. 24.
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"“We are shocked and saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.“Kobe was an ambassador for our game, a decorated legend and a global icon. Above all, he was a loving and dedicated father.“Kobe’s legacy transcends basketball, and our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.“Our hearts go out to all the lives lost and the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. We send our thoughts and prayers to Vanessa and the family, the Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant fans everywhere.”"
Bryant proved just how much of a legend he was by having the Lakers, one of the most prestigious organizations in the world, retire both of his numbers. That fact has been hammered home with a separate organization deciding to retire his number as well.
The Mavericks had plenty of battles with Bryant and the Lakers throughout his 20-year career, but it just goes to show the impact that Bryant had beyond the court.
Cuban and the Mavericks recognize that and have decided to show their respect this way despite Bryant personally crushing their championship hopes numerous times in his career.