PHILADELPHIA — Kobe Bryant suddenly has a good problem to have. It’s far less serious than the Lakers’ persistent losing, or Bryant’s endless shooting inaccuracy.
Does Bryant have a preference on the Lakers retiring his No. 8 or No. 24 jersey?
“Not really,” Bryant laughed.
Well, it could happen soon.
The Lakers have had conversations in the past on which of Bryant’s jersey numbers they will retire, and they plan to have more discussions on that issue, according to a team source.
When the Lakers would retire Bryant’s jersey also remains undetermined. But that could happen as early as next season instead of waiting for the requisite five-year grace period before Bryant would enter the Hall as a first-ballot inductee, the team source added.