What is the story behind Kobe Bryant changing his jersey number from #8 to #24?

Answer 1

24 was Bryant's first high school number, before he switched to #33. After the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said on TNT that he wanted #24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable, as was #33, retired with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He said the switch to 24 signified the start of the second half of his career.

Answer 2

YEEEESH...

These answers are ALL wrong.

Kobe had a shoe deal with a company... during the rape trail... they dropped him, as did every other company.

They were going to make a shoe and call it "8s" or "Crazy 8s" and NOT pay Kobe any money, since he does not have a copywrite on the number, they were perfectly within their rights.

So, the money grubbing Bryant changed his number so that the shoe company in question could NOT profit even indirectly from his fame...

So, the shoe company would the "8s" and he would be 24.
"No Money? NO Kobe."

But lest you think Bryant is a completely greedy bastard he has promised to give his personal income from jersey sales to charity - NOT!

Actually, Kobe has issued a statement that he will refund the purchase price to all lower income fans that buy his NEW jersey, and can show proof of purchase of the old one. (Sorry, this on'es a lie too.)

New jersey? MORE MONEY... Kobe lost money by NOT going to a new team if you think about potential sales. Seen a few Jordan jerseys from Washington, eh?

Gee, would Kobe and the NBA really do that to longtime fans? YOU BETCHA!

Answer 3

Kobe changed his jersey to start the second half of his career sort of like a fresh start. All the drama of Shaq, the Colorado case, etc will end with the number 8. He chose the number 24 to show his hard work ethic which is 24 hours a day. Saying that he works 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Kobe and Odom is 24/7. It also helps if changing your number will also increase your jersey sales

Answer 4

It is true that Kobe did in deed wear 24 earlier in his career. The reason that Kobe changed his jersey number this year is a different reason though. I watched a press conference on ESPN in which Kobe was asked the same question. He went on to say that he is the best in basketball, and even greater than Michael Jordan. He said this in a quiet kind of way and by no means meant to degrade MJ. However, Kobe's reason for the sudden change of numbers is an attempted 1up of Michael Jordan. Kobe thinks he is better and thought that the change could help others see his case.

Answer 5

I think the reason behind his #24 jersey is because of the Late GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME, MICHAEL JORDAN. No doubt, Kobe is MJ's fan. So in my opinion, I think kobe wants to somehow prove that he is the improved and the 'modernize' player after Michael. Yes, he is indeed but nothing beats the classic just for me. If you ever recognize MJ's jersey number back in the USA DREAM TEAM and KOBE'S jersey number while playing the said basketball league Mj wears #9 while Kobe wears #10. I think he just really want to say that Being Kobe Bryant is different. He wants to do it he's way. Im a fan, both of them are great. MJ is just MJ. Nothing beats the classic still. GOD OF BASKETBALL! Keep on ballin', peace out!

Answer 6

In High School -#24

Answer 7

Kobe Bryant 8s

Answer 8

24 was Bryant's first high school number, before he switched to #33. After the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said on TNT that he wanted #24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable, as was #33, retired with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He said the switch to 24 signified the start of the second half of his career.....................and to cold runner you're a ignorant bastard, kobe didnt rape that woman that ***** just wanted attention and money......

Answer 9

because of the shame, embarrassment, and guilt rapists usually try and change their identity in some shape or form.

Answer 10

Thats how many girlfriends hes had in the past month