Why bryant 24

Although he initially hoped to change to No. Just like with his previous pick, his second jersey number was also a nod to his past, as he wore No. Marriage, kids. Start having a broader perspective being one of the older guys on the team now, as opposed to being the youngest. Because when you get older, your muscles start getting sore. Body starts aching. I got to push through this soreness. I got to go through it, because this is the most important day.

One generation of fans remembers him as 8, another as Bryant, 41, died along with eight others in a tragic helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas, California. Bryant introduced himself to the basketball world as an Afro-headed teenager wearing No. How he landed on that number has to do with a combination of logic and nostalgia.

Before he was drafted, Bryant wore No. Add up those digits, you get eight. I've got to prove that I'm one of the best in this league. You're going after them. It's nonstop energy and aggressiveness and stuff. Bryant's legacy started on the court and reached far beyond it both during his time in the league and during retirement, and the jerseys illuminated at "The House that Kobe Built" are a symbol of that.

Bryant is the only player in league history to have two jersey numbers retired with the same team. The star changing numbers, going from No. The Laker began his career, after deciding to forgo college and take on the challenge of playing in the NBA , wearing the No. It adds up to eight, and was the number he wore in Italy when he was younger. Ahead of the Lakers retiring both jersey numbers, Bryant broke down how his persona and attitude were different with the two.

He said :. I got to prove that I belong here in this league. I've got to prove that I'm one of the best in this league. You're going after them. It's nonstop energy and aggressiveness and stuff. His other high school number, 33, was already retired by the Lakers to honor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

For the season and beyond, until his retirement in , the NBA icon went back to the number he wore in his earlier basketball years: No.