LA Lakers To Retire Both Of Kobe Bryant’s Jersey Numbers: NBA Legend Unveils NBA China Academy Plans
Latest NBA reports confirmed that the Los Angeles Lakers will retire Kobe Bryant's jersey numbers 8 and 24. The report added that this will take place in December as the team announced just this Wednesday. Further, the ceremony will be held during the games between the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors on December 18 at the STAPLES Center.
Reports from Fox Sports added that Kobe Bryant played all 20 of his season in the league with the LA Lakers. The 18-time All-Star also led the team to five championships. It can be recalled that Kobe wore number 8 to start his NBA career then he switched to 24 or the 2006-2007 season and beyond.
With this, Bryant said that he always dreamed of his jersey hanging in the rafters of the Lakers only that he never imagined two of them. He also added that the team has given him a huge honor and that he is also thankful for the enthusiasm of the fans around his game.
With this report, Kobe Bryant will be the 10th player in LA Lakers to have his jersey number retired. He will be joining Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, Jamaal Wilkes, Magic Johnson, Gail Goodrich, and Abdul-Jabbar. Kobe is even regarded as one of the greatest NBA players of all time also one of the most prolific winners in the history of the league.
The LA Lakers' new General Manager who happened to be Bryant's long-time agent praised his former client for keeping the franchise relevant over his two-decade stint with the team. Pelinka then added that Kobe's impact on the team is indeed immeasurable and that he carried the torch of the team for 20 seasons.
Meanwhile, according to NBA, Kobe announced his plans last Tuesday regarding China's first NBA basketball school. The reports added that Bryant will enhance the game in the said country helping all aspirants to be outstanding and exemplary in this sport.
Further, Kobe Bryant said that the NBA Basketball School-Mission Hills Haikou will be open to male and female players from the junior until the professional level. This program will also help discover the next basketball star from China.
