Why did Kobe change his number? The reason Kobe changed from number 8 to 24

Since its inception, the NBA has produced several legends who have left a footprint in fans' hearts, and among them is Kobe Bryant. In his career, Kobe used two different jersey numbers, and due to his iconic performances, both numbers were retired by the Los Angeles Lakers. Before shifting to the number 24 jersey, Kobe wore a number 8 jersey for various reasons. So, why did Kobe change his number? Let's find out!

The renowned basketballer was inducted into the Hall of Fame thanks to his incredible career, which saw him lead a successful life. Apart from exiting the fans with his grounded skills and amazing turnaround fadeaways, he took home three consecutive NBA titles from 2000 to 2002.

Why did Kobe change his number?

When Kobe debuted in the NBA, he wore the number 8 since he had attended the Adidas basketball camp and was given the number 143. He summed the numbers to come up with his jersey number, equalling 8.

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When I first came in at 8, I was really trying to 'plant your flag' sort of thing. I got to prove that I belong here in this league. I have got to prove that I am one of the best in this league. You are going after them. It is nonstop energy and aggressiveness and stuff.

The famous star wore the number 8 jersey from 1996 to the 2005/06 season. At the start of the 2006/07 season, he left fans asking questions and astonished by his decision to change his shirt number to 24.

Reasons why Kobe changed his number

A professional player such as Bryant does not just decide to change his career number and identity symbol as easily as it may seem. The legend must have thought it deeply before settling on the shift. Here are some reasons why Kobe changed his number from 8 to 24.

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• To honour his roots, that is the Lower Merion High School since that was his number before the Lakers drafted him.
• While he was in high school, he switched to number 24, but the number holder in the NBA, 33 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, had retired, and in doing so, he settled for the number 8.
• The renowned legend was ready for a new beginning and thus saw the need to shift.
• Shaq O'Neal left the LA Lakers, and therefore he took his place.
• For growth.

Then 24 is a growth from that, physical attributes are not there the way they used to be, but the maturity level is greater. Marriage and kids. Start having a broader perspective, being one of the older guys on the team now, as opposed to being the youngest. Things evolve.

When did Kobe change his number?

Kobe changed his number at the end of the 2005/06 season, and the new season started. Most fans were confused as to why he made such a decision. While wearing the number 24, he was unstoppable with the skills that saw him lead the Lakers to win two consecutive Finals MVPs titles.

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How was Kobe's performance with the two numbers?

Statistically, the Black Mamba was a beast while wearing the two jerseys. With the number 8, he scored 16,777 points, while with the number 24, he bagged 16,866 points and thus went down in history as the only NBA player with both his numbers retired with the same team.

Additionally, with his two jerseys, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame separately and thus had two different careers with both jerseys.

What are Bryant's achievements?

While the fans were going ablaze about why did Kobe change his jersey number, the famous legend was scooping trophies. He won five titles and made 18 All-Star appearances in each of the two subsections of his career. Additionally, he bagged the scoring title with both numbers.

For how many years was Kobe in the NBA?

Since the legend debuted in the NBA in 1996 and retired in 2016, it is okay to say that he was in the NBA for 20 years. Ten for each of his two retired numbers.

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What were Bryant's accolades while wearing No 8?

The famous Hall of Famer went home with several glories when his number 8 was retired. He was a Slam Dunk Champion and a one-time All-Rookie Star of the Year.

He also took home some trophies such as one scoring title, six times All-Defense titles, eight times NBA titles, one-time All-Star Game MVP titles, and three times NBA Championship titles.

What were Bryant's accolades while wearing No 24?

With the number 24, Bryant won the following titles, three times All-Star Game MVP, one-time MVP, seven times All-NBA, six times All-Defense, one scoring title, two times NBA Final MVP, and two times NBA Championships.

Why did Bryant wear No 10?

In an interview, the famous legend said that he wears the number ten jersey for the US National team in honour of the most outstanding athlete he had ever seen.

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Why did LeBron change his number?

LeBron James is a legend on the court. He changed his number from 23 to 6 due to his transfer to the Miami Heat. Allegedly his switch was to honour Michael Jordan, the brand owner of the number 23 jersey.

Who is the best Lakers player?

The LA Lakers have some of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. It is with no doubt that the greatest of them all is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who spent 14 years of his career with the club and took home five NBA championships.

Most talented basketball players have made names for themselves despite the odds they face while rising to stardom. However, some of them have used different jerseys on the court, and since they are famous personalities, fans will always want to know the reason behind the change. For instance, most fans have been inquiring about when and why did Kobe change his number.

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