“N**ga I’m better than you,” Kobe Bryant took a shot at Michael Jordan by wearing jersey number 24, claims Celtics legend

Kobe Bryant's 24: A subtle jab at Michael Jordan’s 23?

“N**ga I’m better than you,” Kobe Bryant took a shot at Michael Jordan by wearing jersey number 24, claims Celtics legend

Kobe Bryant was never afraid to challenge anyone on the basketball court, especially Michael Jordan. The late Lakers legend had a fierce competitive drive that fueled his greatness and his desire to surpass MJ as the best player ever. According to former NBA star Kevin Garnett, Kobe wore jersey number 24 to send a clear message to Jordan.

Garnett shared this in an episode of KG Certified on SHOWTIME. He narrated that he had a conversation with Kobe during a game in 2008 when Kobe switched from number 8 to number 24.

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Garnett asked him why he changed his number, and Bryant replied: “N**ga I’m better than you. I’m better than him. I’m better than everybody. That’s why I wear this 24. It’s one more than him.”

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“People don’t even know what the 24 stand for, people don’t even understand it that that was a sign to everybody that he was a step above 23… And that was a shot at Mike [Jordan], straight up like n**ga I’m better than you,”

Garnett was shocked by Kobe’s confidence and conceit, but he also admired his mindset and work ethic. “I loved that about Kobe,” the Celtics legend went on in admiration,” He had supreme confidence. He had supreme skill. He had supreme work ethic. He was just … supreme.”

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The evolution of Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers

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Kobe Bryant’s retired jerseys No. 8 and No. 24 (Via Twitter)

Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers recite the story of his basketball journey. He wore #8 in his early years with the Lakers, inspired by his time playing in Italy and his Adidas camp number. He changed to #24 in 2006, marking a new chapter in his career and his personal growth. Young Bryant also wore #33 in high school, honoring his father, Joe Bryant, who played in the NBA and overseas. However, he could not use that number in the NBA, as it was retired by the Lakers for the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Bryant also donned #10 when he represented Team USA in the Olympics, adding another number to his legacy. He made history as the only player to have two jersey numbers retired by the same team, the Lakers. After his tragic death, some NBA players have switched their jersey numbers to pay tribute to Bryant and his impact on the game.

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Bryant told ESPN in 2017 that he associated the two different numbers with different mentalities and eras of his career. He said: “When I first came in at 8, is really trying to ‘plant your flag’ sort of thing. I got to prove that I belong here in this league. I’ve got to prove that I’m one of the best in this league. You’re going after them. It’s nonstop energy and aggressiveness and stuff.“

But after O’Neal’s exit from the Lakers in 2004, Bryant wanted a fresh start. He switched to No. 24, his high school number at Lower Merion. Wearing that, he said he grew as a person and a player with that number. He had more experience, wisdom, and perspective, a family, and a legacy to protect. He was more than just a scorer as No. 24.

“Then 24 is a growth from that,” Kobe explained to ESPN. “Physical attributes aren’t there the way they used to be, but the maturity level is greater. Marriage, kids. Start having a broader perspective being one of the older guys on the team now, as opposed to being the youngest. Things evolve.“

Kobe Bryant won three NBA championship titles as No. 8 and his final two wearing No. 24. He appeared in eight All-Star games with his first number and ten after the jersey swap. He won a scoring title in each number, scoring 16,777 points repping No. 8 and 16,866 points wearing No. 24.

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