NBA players pay tribute to Kobe Bryant by wearing his iconic No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys, with 39 players in the current season choosing one of these numbers, including Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls, Devin Vassell of the San Antonio Spurs, and Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets.

Why It Matters

The enduring impact of Kobe Bryant's legacy on the next generation of NBA players is evident in their homage through jersey numbers and tattoos. The upcoming statue ceremony further highlights the lasting influence of Bryant's iconic presence on and off the court.

By the Numbers
  • 39 NBA players wore either No. 8 or No. 24 this season, including Jalen Williams, Zach LaVine, Devin Vassell, and Cam Thomas.
  • 16 players currently wear the No. 23 jersey, showing a shift towards Bryant's numbers as a symbol of inspiration for the new wave of NBA stars.
State of Play
  • 39 NBA players have chosen to honor Kobe Bryant by wearing his iconic No. 8 or No. 24 jersey this season.
  • The Lakers will unveil a statue to honor Bryant outside of Crypto.com Arena, coinciding with the date 2/8/24, which features both of Bryant's numbers and his late daughter's No. 2.
  • The significance of Bryant's legacy is demonstrated in the personal stories of players like Jalen Williams, Zach LaVine, Devin Vassell, Cam Thomas, and others, who attribute their jersey numbers to their admiration for him.
What's Next

The upcoming statue ceremony for Kobe Bryant and the continued presence of his iconic jersey numbers in the NBA highlight the enduring impact of his legacy on the league's current and future stars.

Bottom Line

The widespread adoption of Kobe Bryant's No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys by current NBA players exemplifies the enduring influence of his legacy, transcending generations and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.