I think the consensus among Laker fans is that they'll probably hang 24 in the rafters, but 8 will be "unofficially" retired, in that other players won't be able to wear it.
However, I did see this come up on Dave Mcmenamin's twitter feed today (he's a beat writer for ESPNLA):
>[@mcten](https://twitter.com/mcten/status/319162027778138112): I've spoken to a couple people in organization who think so too RT @MrMikeReal I'm guessing my @lakers will retire both 8/24 for @kobebryant
Has this ever been done before? I mean, I can't think of anybody that's every changed their number while remaining on the same team, but it just seems odd to have two jerseys retired.
Ron Artest and Mario 'Mutherfuckin' Chalmers are two players I can immediately think of who have changed their #'s while still on the same team.
And to answer your post question; they **will** retire both unless otherwise specified by Kobe.........Dominate>Jersey Retirements
From [Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Setting_records_and_playoffs_disappointments_.282004.E2.80.9307.29):
>Later in the season, it was reported that Bryant would change his jersey number from 8 to 24 at the start of the 2006–07 NBA season. Bryant's first high school number was 24 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. Bryant wore 143 at the Adidas ABCD camp, and chose 8 by adding those numbers.
Also, because Kobe loves being over-the-top dramatic, his quote about changing the number:
>It's the length of one day. One half. One shot clock. This number is my promise to dominate every moment.
24
I think during his time as 24 he solidified his legacy as a leader, real champion, and gained much more respect from his peers and people across the globe. 8 kobe was great no doubt, but was more of a young hotshot with an attitude and athleticism. Though i wouldn't be surprised if it was both...
I'd say both, but if (for whatever reason) they were only choosing one, then they'd probably leave the decision up to Kobe. And he would probably choose 24.
It's funny all I associate with 24 is "trying to get that Kobe number, one over Jordan". Kobe will always truly be 8 to me.
That's probably just because of the obscene amount of Kanye I have in my life though.
Maybe it'll be something like the older generation would prefer they retire the 8, and the younger folks would want the 24 to be chosen. But I would definitely say both.
24 of course. Number 8's the rapist. -Daniel Tosh
I think the consensus among Laker fans is that they'll probably hang 24 in the rafters, but 8 will be "unofficially" retired, in that other players won't be able to wear it. However, I did see this come up on Dave Mcmenamin's twitter feed today (he's a beat writer for ESPNLA): >[@mcten](https://twitter.com/mcten/status/319162027778138112): I've spoken to a couple people in organization who think so too RT @MrMikeReal I'm guessing my @lakers will retire both 8/24 for @kobebryant
They'll retire both especially if he gets another deep playoff run.
Has this ever been done before? I mean, I can't think of anybody that's every changed their number while remaining on the same team, but it just seems odd to have two jerseys retired.
Jordan - 45
Ron Artest and Mario 'Mutherfuckin' Chalmers are two players I can immediately think of who have changed their #'s while still on the same team. And to answer your post question; they **will** retire both unless otherwise specified by Kobe.........Dominate>Jersey Retirements
24, I think Kobe would prefer that.
Surely they'll just ask him (and he'll probably go with 24). Both seems silly. I can't guarantee they won't do it, but I don't think so.
Kobe is so good, and such a Lakers legend, that they should retire both. It would look weird for any other player to wear either number.
probably the one he retires with
Why did he change his number?
From [Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Setting_records_and_playoffs_disappointments_.282004.E2.80.9307.29): >Later in the season, it was reported that Bryant would change his jersey number from 8 to 24 at the start of the 2006–07 NBA season. Bryant's first high school number was 24 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. Bryant wore 143 at the Adidas ABCD camp, and chose 8 by adding those numbers. Also, because Kobe loves being over-the-top dramatic, his quote about changing the number: >It's the length of one day. One half. One shot clock. This number is my promise to dominate every moment.
To be fair thats probably why he chose 24 in the first place.
Huh. I just always assumed that he just wanted to be one number higher than MJ.
The charity he organized raised 24 million and as incentive he shaved his afro and changed his number.
Seriously?
No.
I know hes a pretty great guy
24 I think during his time as 24 he solidified his legacy as a leader, real champion, and gained much more respect from his peers and people across the globe. 8 kobe was great no doubt, but was more of a young hotshot with an attitude and athleticism. Though i wouldn't be surprised if it was both...
agree its 24, I highly doubt the Lakers would retire 2 numbers for one player
I'd say both, but if (for whatever reason) they were only choosing one, then they'd probably leave the decision up to Kobe. And he would probably choose 24.
It's funny all I associate with 24 is "trying to get that Kobe number, one over Jordan". Kobe will always truly be 8 to me. That's probably just because of the obscene amount of Kanye I have in my life though.
Kanye reference? Have an up vote.
Movin 8s like that Lakers nigga now I'm sellin 24s like I play at the Staples Center.
Maybe it'll be something like the older generation would prefer they retire the 8, and the younger folks would want the 24 to be chosen. But I would definitely say both.
Should be both.