Caption:LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers backs in on LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Staples Center on March 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
The Los Angeles Lakers are planning to retire both of Kobe Bryant’s jerseys this season, according to several reports.
The 39-year-old former shooting guard — nicknamed “Black Mamba” — wore both Nos. 8 and 24 during his 20-year career with the team. The Lakers will retire Bryant’s jerseys on Dec. 18, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported, citing sources.
Bryant wore No. 8 from the beginning of his career in 1996 through the 2005-2006 season and then switched to No. 24, the number he wore in high school. Bryant helped lead the Lakers to five NBA titles.
An 18-time All-Star, Bryant also won Finals MVP honors in 2009 and 2010 and was voted the NBA’s MVP in 2008.
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“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, who is fluent in Italian. “The Lakers have bestowed a huge honor on me and I’m grateful for the fans’ enthusiasm around this game.”
Bryant will become the tenth Lakers player in history to have his jersey retired, after Wilt Chamberlain (13), Elgin Baylor (22), Gail Goodrich (25), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (32), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (33), Shaquille O’Neal (34), James Worthy (42), Jerry West (44) and Jamaal Wilkes (52).
According to NBA.com, Bryant sits as the Lakers all-time leader in regular season games played (1,346), points (33,643), three-pointers made (1,827), steals (1,944) and free throws made (8,378), while owning franchise playoff records for games played (220), points (5,640), three-pointers made (292) and free throws made (1,320).
The Lakers will host the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Dec. 18.
Caption:LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 10: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers backs in on LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Staples Center on March 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
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