When Kobe Bryant joined the NBA in 1996, he wore the number 8 jersey. This was true until the 2006-2007 season when the Lakers legend turned No. 24.
According to the official story, Bryant wanted the number 24 jersey as a rookie.
However, according to former NBA star Kevin Garnett, Kobe chose number 24 as a statement that he was above Michael Jordan’s number 23.
“People don’t understand that it was a sign that he was one step over 23…it was a shot to the mic. Straight on,” KG said via ClutchPoints.
