Whenever Jalen Williams grabs his phone, he sees a collage of Kobe Bryant photos as his lock screen. The first tattoo the 22-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder forward ever got was a portrait of Bryant's face, steely-eyed and biting down on the collar of his uniform. It covers the outside of his right leg from his ankle to just below the knee. Williams is a dedicated fan, and his dedication is evident in his extensive collection of Mamba merchandise which includes sneakers, shirts, magazines, posters, action figures, and even blankets.
Williams dons the No. 8 Thunder jersey as he takes to the court, paying homage to Kobe Bryant. But he is not alone in his decision to wear one of Bryant's iconic numbers. Four years after Bryant's tragic death in a helicopter crash, his legacy is being carried on by the next generation of NBA players.
In the past, the number 23, influenced by basketball legend Michael Jordan, dominated the choice of numbers for many rising stars like LeBron James. However, the landscape has shifted, and now there are only 16 players in the league wearing that number, with LeBron James being one of them.
This season, a remarkable 39 NBA players have donned either No. 8 or No. 24, including emerging talents like Jalen Williams, Zach LaVine, Devin Vassell, and Cam Thomas. The influence of Kobe Bryant is undeniable, and these players proudly wear his iconic numbers as a symbol of respect.
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue honoring Bryant outside of Crypto.com Arena. The date chosen for the ceremony, February 8, 2024, holds special significance as it includes both of Bryant's numbers, as well as the No. 2 that his late daughter, Gianna, wore as a promising basketball phenom. The numerology of this day is not lost on this group of young Kobe acolytes, who appreciate the decision made by Bryant's widow, Vanessa, and the Lakers organization.
To these players, Kobe Bryant represents their generation's Jordan, an icon who inspired them and became their role model. Each player who wears No. 8 or No. 24 has their own personal connection to Bryant and his remarkable achievements on the court.
For example, Nick Smith Jr., a shooting guard for the Charlotte Hornets, chose No. 8 because he models his game after Bryant. The Hornets jersey gives him a chance to honor the legacy that Bryant left behind, especially since Bryant never got the opportunity to wear it himself.
Josh Green, a shooting guard for the Dallas Mavericks, also chose No. 8 as a tribute to Bryant's early career. Growing up in Australia, Green's favorite childhood Christmas present was a trip to Los Angeles to watch Bryant and the Lakers face off against LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Wearing the same number as his idol is a reminder of how dreams can come true.
Jae'Sean Tate of the Houston Rockets also wears No. 8, which holds a significant meaning for him. After going undrafted and starting his professional career overseas, Tate used Bryant's mentality and work ethic as motivation to return to the NBA. No. 8 serves as a reminder of his journey and the mindset that carried him through it.
Devin Vassell of the San Antonio Spurs has taken his admiration for Bryant a step further. He wears No. 24 and even has a tattoo on his left thigh featuring his high school number, his college number, his Spurs number, and Bryant's Lakers numbers. Vassell studies Bryant's footwork and style, learning from the greatness of the player who left an indelible legacy.
Cam Thomas, the shooting guard for the Brooklyn Nets, had an impressive game against the Lakers, where he wore No. 24. The sight of Bryant's retired jerseys hanging in the arena inspires him to perform at his best and reminds him of the impact that Bryant had on the game.
Brandon Miller, the Charlotte Hornets rookie, wears No. 24 not as a direct tribute to Bryant but as a nod to his favorite player, Paul George. While George wore No. 24 to honor Bryant, Miller's connection to that number stems from his admiration for George in his prime.
As the Lakers prepare to unveil a statue honoring Kobe Bryant, players wearing No. 8 and No. 24 have differing opinions on how the statue should look. From the iconic 81-point game to the jersey flex and championship celebrations, each player has their own favorite moment that they believe should be captured in the statue.
Regardless of differing ideas, the NBA players wearing these numbers continue to honor Bryant's legacy on the court. They find solace in playing the game and strive to embody his passion, work ethic, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
The influence of Kobe Bryant will forever be felt in the NBA. Players like Jalen Williams, Nick Smith Jr., Josh Green, Jae'Sean Tate, Devin Vassell, Cam Thomas, and Brandon Miller proudly wear his numbers, keeping the Mamba mentality alive. As they continue to compete and excel in the game they love, Bryant's legacy lives on through their dedication and play on the court.
