Mamba Out! The Los Angeles Lakers recently celebrated the jersey retirement of one of their best cagers of all time. Kobe Bryant's number 8 and 24 jerseys are now with the other purple and gold uniforms at the Staples Center rafters.
The Lakers suffered a loss against the Golden State Warriors last Tuesday, but the entire association celebrated a big milestone in Lakers' history. Authorities, players, and fans all got together at the Staples Center to honor Bryant and the retirement of his two jerseys.
The ceremony took place during the halftime break of the match. The celebration kicked off with the short animation tribute video, titled "Dear Basketball," for Kobe's incredible career. Bryant wrote the message himself, and there are speculations that the animation video might receive an Oscar nomination next year.
Lakers president of basketball operations and franchise legend Magic Johnson and owner Jeanie Buss both gave heartfelt messages to honor Bryant's 20-year career with the Lakers.
In his speech, Bryant paid tribute to the other great Lakers who also have their jerseys hanging in the rafters. The Black Mamba thanked his family, his fans, the current Lakers team, the Lakers organization, and the entire NBA for his amazing experience. Bryant concluded his speech with, "Thank you guys so much, I love you. Mamba out."
The ceremony was attended by a number of NBA greats including Bryant's former teammate Shaquille O'Neal and Philadelphia 76ers former star Allen Iverson.
NBA players and legends then took it to social media to show some love for the five-time NBA champion. Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson tweeted, "Congratulations Kobe Bryant! Hail Momba, too. Two Jersey's retired is one way to measure your impact for the Lakers."
Cleveland Cavaliers star Lebron James also congratulated his Bryant. The King posted, "Congrats @kobebraynt!! Dayuumm man NOT1, NOT 2.. ok it is 2 jerseys going up. Amazing G and appreciate the inspiration from a far u didn't know growing up!"
Bryant added a little bit of levity to the bittersweet moment during the press conference after the jersey retirement ceremony. When asked which Lakers jersey is his favorite, he replied with, "I kind of go back and forth, but No. 8 has something that 24 will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever have, and that's the ability to grow hair." However, Bryant did make it clear that he prefers 24 over 8 because it gave him the biggest challenges in his career.
