Why Did Kobe Switch from #8 to #24

[Redz]

Anyone?

[Stu]

He's an idiot.

(Probably not what you were looking for, but that's the best reason I've come up with.  My wife asked me the same question the other day, and that's what I told her.)

[Redz]

Maybe he's hoping to have 2 numbers retired

[CelticsWhat35]

Because he wants to have two of his #'s retired and he thinks he's better than Jordan.

[ma11l]

Is it a coincidence that 24 is one more than 23? 

[Jeff]

because he wants to be 1 better than Jordan

don't remember why he said he changed it, but I think one explanation for which number he chose was 2 x 4 = 8

[Emperor Young]

to sell more jerseys..

[LarBrd33]

A few reasons

#1 - To sell more jerseys.  He was sick of getting beat by people like LeBron since everyone already owned his #8.  Yes, he's that much of an egomaniac.  Believe it.
#2 - To wear #24 so he could be "one more" than Jordan/LeBron
#3 - To try to be the player who gets two different numbers retired by one team.  Jordan tried this when he switched to #45, but promptly went back to #23.
#4 - To symbolize his evolution during the second half of his career from a selfish, egomaniac, whiney superstar who wears #8 to a selfish, egomaniac, whiney superstar who wears #24.

[Chief]

This is from Wikipedia, so take it for what it is worth:

Bryant's first high school number was 24 before he switched to 33.[14] After the Lakers' season ended, Bryant said on TNT that he wanted 24 as a rookie, but it was unavailable, as was 33, retired with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bryant wore 143 at the Adidas ABCD camp, and chose 8 by adding those numbers.

[Redz]

A few reasons

#1 - To sell more jerseys.  He was sick of getting beat by people like LeBron since everyone already owned his #8.  Yes, he's that much of an egomaniac.  Believe it.
#2 - To wear #24 so he could be "one more" than Jordan/LeBron
#3 - To try to be the player who gets two different numbers retired by one team.  Jordan tried this when he switched to #45, but promptly went back to #23.
#4 - To symbolize his evolution during the second half of his career from a selfish, egomaniac, whiney superstar who wears #8 to a selfish, egomaniac, whiney superstar who wears #24.

Hmmm...I'd go with #4

[Stu]

Just read on wikipedia that he wanted #24 as a rookie, but it was "unavailable."  He had worn 24 in high school, but had also worn #8 when he played in Italy.

(Edit:  Woops, someone just said that.  My bad.)

[Redz]

OK< added a poll (using LarryBrd33's choices)

[spelz]

Are these his pre-rape and after-rape jerseys?

[LarBrd33]

Are these his pre-rape and after-rape jerseys?

Lol I laughed.

Like I said... it's to symbolize his evolution from arrogant, cocky, selfish, egomaniac, rapist/violently adulterous superstar who wears #8... to arrogant, cocky, selfish, egomaniac, rapist/violently adulterous superstar who wears #24.  It's all part of his image change, you see...   

[silvershamrocker]

Man, you guys are awesome. Love the poll, too.