Kobe says he would pick No. 24 over No. 8 -- but barely | ESPN

Kobe Bryant speaks to the media before his Los Angeles Lakers jersey retirement ceremony, explaining why he -- barely -- prefers the No. 24 version of himself to No. 8.

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[nekhmerXViet]

That time kobe broke a bone in his shooting hand and switched to his left hand and still put up 20+ points

[todeadlybra]

Make the front number be 8 and the back number 24

[darkovilos]

We can just get two statues of him wearing both numbers guarding each other, 8 will have the hair.

[Gokuublacckk]

#8 was an athletic freak an #24 was one of the best if not the best difficult shot maker I've ever seen

[byronjones]

REST IN PARADISE 🙏
*KOBE* *THE* *GOAT*
LOVE YOU KOBE *24*

[tomsocala]

Thanks for the memories Kobe. As a kid growing up a Lakers fan damn were we spoiled, Kobe drilling it with the game on the line, closing it out. Great memories, thanks Kobe. All those late nights, all that hard work, he appreciates that more than anything. It was the Journey. 24/8

[nootherideas]

Hated Kobe, but I respect him now. Appreciate legends while you have them! Stop hating and appreciate greatness.

[Mindi]

24 > 8 all day. 24 is when he became the master of his game and his era

[Bodhi]

24 was post Shaq. #8 Kobe never got the full recognition for the 3 peat and add a finals loss. Many people said he could not win without Shaq. Never hated a player more than #8/#24 but he was absolutely incredible to watch.

[koberyant]

We miss you, Kobe. Mamba mentality will always be with us.

[slaya]

After retiring a year ago Kobe still has that killer instinct in him as a player! #MambaMentality

[michaelmurphy]

I’m gonna miss Kobe saying he had one more title then Shaquille and then just joking around as friends is sad man rest easy kobe and Gigi and the other people in the plane❤️🔒

[Ebah]

Kobe inspires me even after his death. He has taught me so much about life and myself. Very influential and inspirational individual. A loss of note😢😢😢

[BmoreHtown]

Always had that sense of humor 😅
*Farewell Kobe, Love you man!* 💜💛

[channydin]

two statues, #8 guarding #24. Old Kobe has him on a post up while young Kobe is low with his elbow on his back.

[chloeymorris]

Hated the Lakers and Kobe but I must take my hat off to him man one of the best to ever played the game

[nelliek]

He is so quick witted with such an underrated dry humor. Love him

[issavirgo]

Officially Getting 24/8 On Me For This 👑🖤🐍 R.I.P. MAMBA

[marinaaliongco]

We love you our Idol! We miss you our Hero 😭💔

[allenwalker]

I also love 24 more ! But honestly I love both !🔥🔥