Lakers celebrate Kobe Bryant's retirement of jerseys

Kobe Bryant poses with his family at halftime after both his #8 and #24 Los Angeles Lakers jerseys are retired at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. [Photo: VCG]

In an NBA first, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to retire both jersey numbers worn by Kobe Bryant, the leading scorer in franchise history. 

Bryant attended the Lakers' game against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night for a halftime ceremony at Staples Center, which was packed with fans eager to bear witness once again to the beloved superstar scorer.

Along with his 33,643 points, the five-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star selection also leads the Lakers in games played (1,346), 3-pointers (1,827), steals (1,944) and free throws (8,378). 

Bryant is the third-leading scorer in league history. He also was the first player to spend at least 20 seasons with one franchise, and he is widely beloved in Southern California, where he still lives with his family.

Los Angeles Lakers fans attend Kobeland prior to the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers where Kobe Bryant's jerseys will be retired on December 18, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. [Photo: VCG]

The Lakers celebrated by closing down the street outside Staples Center and staging a street fair dubbed "Kobeland,'' complete with a Ferris wheel and many other games and attractions. 

Thousands of fans crowded into the downtown streets several hours before the game just to appreciate the atmosphere.

The Lakers typically only retire the numbers of players enshrined in the Hall of Fame. 

Bryant isn't eligible until 2021, but the Lakers decided not to wait for that formality and for Kobe, they doubled up the honor. Bryant switched jersey numbers halfway through his career, neatly dividing the eras of his 20 years with the Lakers. 

The No. 8 Bryant won three NBA titles, and the No. 24 Bryant won two more before retiring in 2016 with a stunning 60-point performance in his farewell game against Utah.

Kobe Bryant talks to the media before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers where his jerseys will be retired on December 18, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. [Photo: VCG]