Boston Celtics All-Star point guard Kemba Walker was one of the players who decided to keep his No. 8 jersey in honor of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Walker says he wants to keep Bryant's legacy going, even though he's playing for the rival Celtics:
“It's definitely a very special number,” Walker told Rachel Nichols of ESPN. “You know, Kobe was really young when he wore it, but yeah, obviously it was a tragic passing and now that number means even more. Every time I step on the court, I just wanna give 100 percent for him.
“I think Kobe would want me and allow me to wear it. We wanna keep his legacy going, keep his name alive.”
Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine is keeping his No. 8 jersey as well for Kobe.
Walker played in 46 games for the Celtics before the All-Star break. He averaged 21.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 42.9 percent from the field, 38.8 percent from beyond the arc and 86.6 percent from the free-throw line.
Kemba is currently dealing with a knee injury. The Celtics are unsure when he'll be back in the lineup.
Walker signed with Boston because he was eager to go on a deep run in the playoffs. This is one of the best players in the NBA who hasn’t been able to showcase his game on the brightest stage since the Charlotte Hornets were rarely good with him.
For the Celtics to win the East, Walker, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward have to play at a high level, and not separately. All four guys have to be dominant together for the C’s to ultimately win the conference and title.
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