LA Lakers honour Kobe Bryant by retiring jersey numbers
By Joe Shread
Last Updated: 19/12/17 10:20am
Kobe Bryant has been hailed as the "greatest" Los Angeles Laker after having both of his jersey numbers retired to honour his contribution to the franchise.
Bryant, who retired from basketball at the end of the 2015-6 season, wore the numbers 8 and 24 during his time with the Lakers.
During a ceremony at half-time of the Lakers match with defending champions Golden State Warriors, fellow Lakers legend Magic Johnson said: "We're here to celebrate the greatest to ever wear the purple and gold.
"He made us rub our eyes and wonder 'what did we just see'. There will never, ever be another Kobe Bryant."
Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star, said: "Thank you so much for tonight, It's not about my jerseys that are hanging up there for me. It's about the jerseys that were hanging up there before.
"It's not the destination. It's the journey. If you accomplish that, your dreams won't come true - something greater will."
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss added to the tributes, saying: "What we're celebrating is the journey you took us on for those 20 years.
"We asked for your hustle and you gave us your heart which was so much more. You have forever made your mark on this franchise."
American sports have a tradition of retiring numbers of players who have made a significant contribution to their teams. However, they are not always retired for good.
For example, Michael Jordan wore the number 23 jersey when he returned for the Chicago Bulls, despite them previously retiring the shirt in his honour.
In American football, Peyton Manning took the retired number 18 jersey when he joined the Denver Broncos after receiving permission from the previous incumbent, Frank Tripucka.
