Kobe Bryant is arguably going down the history as the greatest Laker ever, only rivaled by the likes of Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Kobe spent a 20-year career with the franchise, producing crazy numbers and bringing home five NBA Championships. His scoring abilities were unworldly, and his defense was great as well.
Bryant, the definite second greatest shooting guard ever and the closest thing we had to watch to Michael Jordan, is now retired, leaving a big, empty chunk of greatness for other young stars to fill.
The question lately is about how will be Kobe remembered.
Bryant divided his career into two decades, each carrying its own legacy, triumphs, championships, and many more. He distinguished them with two different numbers.
The first 10 years Kobe was walking the court wearing number 8. For the next 10 years, he decided to carry on with number 24.
Two different numbers, both marking great historical moments for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Soon, it will be time for his jersey to be raised at Staples Center among the likes of Magic, Kareem, Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, and other Legendary Lakers. Fans and media are really interested to see Kobe and the Lakers' decision on which number will finally rise in the stadium.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN asked Kobe this precise question, and his answer was nothing less that what we expected from the Black Mamba:
Kobe on which number he'll retire. He laughed and said whichever number is chosen "it'll be pretty hard for someone else to wear the other"
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) August 24, 2016
He's spot on. When the decision is made, anyone on the Lakers wearing either number will have a heavy boulder on their shoulders given the legacy behind it.
Many are suggesting for both numbers to be retired in honor of this great Laker as the one and only solution to this “problem.”
For now, no one knows. One thing is certain; whatever decision they take, it will be for the best preservation of the Kobe's legacy. And who knows, maybe a new rising star will be bold enough to walk in Kobe's shoes, choose one of his old numbers with the hope of following his road to greatness while bringing the franchise back to the promised land.
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