Shooting for 2
Lakers retire Bryant's 8 and 24 jerseys
LOS ANGELES — Although Kobe Bryant has been asked many times, he still isn't sure who would win a mystical game of one-on-one between the young Kobe in his No. 8 Lakers jersey and his older self, who wore No. 24.
"I kind of go back and forth," Bryant said with a sly grin. "But 8 has something that 24 will never, ever, ever have, and that's the ability to grow hair."
The Lakers couldn't choose, either. So they honored both eras of Kobe's incredible career.
In an NBA first, the Lakers on Monday night retired both jersey numbers worn by Bryant, the leading scorer in franchise history.
Bryant attended the Lakers' game against the Golden State Warriors for a halftime ceremony at Staples Center, which was packed with fans eager to bear witness once again to the beloved superstar scorer. Dozens of Bryant's former teammates showed up, including Shaquille O'Neal and Derek Fisher, along with the Lakers' usual cavalcade of celebrity fans.
"I feel great," Bryant said after entering Staples Center while pushing a stroller containing Bianka Bella Bryant, his infant daughter. "I'm very proud I get to come here with my family. It feels good as a father to have my family come in and share this."
Bryant is the 10th player with a retired jersey for the 16-time NBA champion Lakers. His numbers were revealed high on the Staples Center wall, flanking the banner honoring Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn.