Source: Bill Baptist / Getty
Update: 9/12/17 5:30 P.M. EST
Even in retirement, Kobe Bryant continues to make history. Today, basketball fans were wondering which Kobe Bryant jersey the L.A. Lakers would choose to retire come December—#8 or #24—but it looks like the answer is “both,” according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. Shelbourne tweeted this afternoon:
Kobe will now become the first-ever player to have two jersey numbers retired by the same team.
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After 20 years on the court, spent entirely in Los Angeles, basketball legend Kobe Bryant retired last year. To make matters more final, the Black Mamba will retire his jersey come December, according to a new report.
“Christmas is coming early for Kobe Bryant,” TMZ writes. “The Lakers are planning to retire his jersey before the Warriors game on Dec. 18.” While the franchise hasn’t acknowledged the rumored ceremony at this time, the gossip site insists it’s “Kobe’s big night,” as the Lakers reportedly tipped off season ticket holders, instructing them to hold on to their Dec. 18 tickets for a “special event.”
All in all, retirement seems to suit Kobe well. The proud dad and his wife Vanessa Bryant have their hands full after welcoming their third daughter back in December. Kobe also celebrated his 39th birthday recently (with a Marvel superhero cake he couldn’t help but to gush over).
The Black Mamba is living his best life. Chime in and guess which Kobe jersey they’ll retire—#8 or #24.
