Mark Cuban: Dallas Mavericks To Retire Kobe Bryant’s Number
The Los Angeles Lakers will not be the only Kobe Bryant’s No. 24.
Dallas Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban announced the franchise will retire Bryant’s No. 24 in a tribute to the late Lakers legend.
Damn. RIP Mamba. May your memory be a blessing
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020
Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, nicknamed Gigi, were among those who died in a helicopter crash Sunday morning near Calabasas, California.
Cuban issued a statement on Bryant’s death announcing the decision to retire the number:
Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban issued the following statement on the passing of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. pic.twitter.com/Ua41YrvTMZ
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) January 27, 2020
“We are shocked and saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.
“Kobe was an ambassador for our game, a decorated legend and a global icon. Above all, he was a loving and dedicated father.
“Kobe’s legacy transcends basketball, and our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.
“Our hearts go out to all the lives lost and the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. We send our thoughts and prayers to Vanessa and the family, the Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant fans everywhere.”
Few things are more indicative of Bryant’s status as a Lakers legend than the fact that the all-time franchise with 16 championships and some of the jerseys of the best players in league history hanging in the rafters elected to retire both his Nos. 8 and 24.
He played all 20 seasons of his NBA career in the Purple and Gold and finished with five championships, a league MVP, two NBA Finals MVPs, 15 All-NBA selections, 12 All-Defensive selections, two scoring titles and 18 All-Star nods.
While he was a Western Conference rival of the Mavericks throughout his career and battled Dallas in memorable clashes, his impact went beyond which team he played for during his career. Cuban made that clear with this decision.
To all of my friends, thank you. Each of you have shared part of yourself with me and made my life better. I have tried to do the same. If you were here I would hug you like I just hugged my family. It hurts that it takes a tragedy to remind us of our mortality.#hugyourfriends
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020