In the NBA GOAT debate, Kobe Bryant is frequently mentioned alongside Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The late Los Angeles Lakers legend was known for his offensive and defensive prowess and relentless pursuit of greatness. His NBA record of 50+ points in four back-to-back games in 2007 epitomizes his greatness.
The 2008 and 2012 Olympic gold medalist and five-time NBA champion has the highest-scoring NBA game in the modern basketball era. Kobe scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in the 2005-06 season. August 24 is celebrated as Kobe Day every year. Do you know the reason?
Why Is 24/8 Celebrated As Kobe Bryant Day?
Every August 24th, Kobe Bryant Day, also known as “Black Mamba Day,” is observed. The day after Bryant’s birthday honors his illustrious career, basketball achievements, and contribution to the game.
Kobe Bryant was drafted 13th overall in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets and was soon traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2008 NBA MVP played 20 seasons in the league, entirely with the Lakers. During his 20-season career, he played 10 seasons wearing the No. 8 jersey and 10 with the No. 24, which is why 8/24 is celebrated as Kobe Day.
What Are Kobe Bryant’s NBA Achievements?
Kobe won three consecutive NBA championships with Shaquille O’Neal in 2000, 2001, and 2002, followed by two championships in 2010 and 2011. While the Lakers legend was named the MVP only once, he won two Finals MVP and Scoring Leader awards. The 18-time All-Star made 15 All-NBA Team and 12 All-Defensive Team selections.
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He was named the All-Star Game MVP four times: 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011. Kobe announced himself in his rookie season with a Slam Dunk title at the 1997 All-Star Game. He has the records for the most points scored in a single season by a guard and a Laker (2,832 points during the 2005-2006 season) and the last game of a career (60 points).
Kobe Bryant – No.8 Vs. No.24
Young Kobe arrived in the NBA wearing jersey number 8. His shirt number was the sum of the digits on his high school stars jersey (143) from the Adidas ABCD camp. After 10 years, the Lakers great started donning his high school freshman jersey number, 24.
| Average | No.8 Kobe Bryant | No.24 Kobe Bryant |
| Points | 23.9 | 26.3 |
| Rebounds | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Assists | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Steals | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Blocks | 0.6 | 0.3 |
| FG% | 45.1 | 44.3 |
| 3-Pt FG% | 33.6 | 32.5 |
While Kobe averaged more points wearing No.24, he managed a slight edge with No.8 in the field goal percentage and three-point shooting accuracy. He had identical averages in other departments.
| Category | No.8 Kobe Bryant | No.24 Kobe Bryant |
| Seasons | 10 | 10 |
| Games | 707 | 639 |
| Total Points | 16,866 | 16,777 |
| NBA Titles | 3 | 2 |
| All-Stars | 8 | 10 |
Kobe Bryant’s Tragic Death
On January 26, 2020, one of the saddest days in NBA history, Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. The incident took place in Calabasas, California, and claimed eight other lives, including his daughter Gianna.
Kobe Bryant was known for his competitive spirit, work ethic, and contribution to the community. His death was deeply felt across the sports world, and many tributes and memorials were issued. The NBA renamed the All-Star Game MVP award in his honor.
Also Read: Magic Johnson Explains Why Kobe Bryant Would Have Been In The GOAT Debate If He Were Still Alive
