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Christen Press Picks No. 24 at Man United as a 'Nod to Kobe' Bryant

LONDON (AP) — With her usual No. 23 jersey already claimed, Christen Press had a decision to make when she joined Manchester United.

It was a quick call.

“I picked 24,” the United States forward said on a video call. “It was a best of the bunch and obviously has a history to that number as well.”

History immersed in grief — in a year that began with former Los Angeles Lakers No. 24 Kobe Bryant dying in a helicopter crash at the age of 41.

“When I wasn’t able to wear my normal number, I definitely chose this (24) with a little nod to Kobe, because I’m an L.