Despite the accolades and talents, a huge part of the Kobe Bryant story is his loyalty to the Los Angeles Lakers. Even though the team had less-than-ideal seasons, the Black Mamba stuck around. However, before the 2007 season, the situation wasn’t quite sunshine and roses. Due to the team repeatedly underperforming, he was ready to demand a trade. His destination? The same as his childhood hero, Michael Jordan – the Chicago Bulls.

But what impact would such a move have on his legacy? That was the question that NFL legend Shannon Sharpe was looking for an answer for. To help him figure it out? Former Kobe teammate, who believes he’s the GOAT, Trevor Ariza.

Ariza believes it would shift the entire narrative. “Yeah, I don’t think it would have been the same thing. It would have been different.” Because of his landing spot, it would further dilute his standing among the all-time greats.

According to the former NBA Champion, “He would have been in the shadow of Mike. I don’t think he’s a person that deserves a shadow…But I know that his drive was always to be the best.” 

While detailing that same drive, Trevor highlighted a unique fact about the 2008 NBA MVP. The reason the 5x Champion wore the #24.

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Why did Kobe Bryant wear #24?

Even though the GOAT debate is largely a two-man race today, Kobe Bryant was a part of that discussion at the time. However, he was the only one to directly make a statement about the GOAT crown. While Ariza believes Kobe is 1A, the message came straight from the man himself.

“That’s why he wore #24. Cuz he wanted to be better than…”More than a fair share of players have tried to emulate the magic of the #23. Even the other popular GOAT contender, Lebron James, wore Jordan’s number as an ode to his idol.

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However, Bryant was the only one to straight-up challenge the status quo. It was one of the many ways that his aura remained unmatched. Such was the ferocity of the Mamba, such is the legacy of the Mamba.

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