Nope, Kobe ain’t retiring yet.

Kobe ain’t calling it quits yet, and don’t expect him to be calling for a press conference to announce his retirement anytime soon. Heck, this guy is STILL younger than some rookies in the NBA for crying out loud.

The only thing that could end in Los Angeles before next season is Kobe’s famous no.8 jersey. Apparently, Kobe has decided to change his number from his famous no.8 to no.24, the number worn by teammate, Jim Jackson.

These developments surfaced after his performance in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series with the Suns that can be surmised as… Well… ‘’Un-Kobe-like.'’ Maybe this change to no.24 could very well serve as Kobe’s own personal rebirth of sorts?

Well, after all the controversies that has surrounded the Lakers’ star, not to mention his godforsaken performance to open up his return in the NBA Playoffs, he does need to have a new lease in life.

But why would someone as talented as him opt to go for no.24, the number worn by Jim Jackson who couldn’t even shoot the basketball from point-blank range even if his life depended on it?

I don’t have an answer for you on that one but I do know that Kobe started playing basketball competitively with those numbers on his back.

Bryant began his career at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pa., wearing No. 24. But by 1996 — the year he led the school to the state championship — he had switched to No. 33, the number his father Joe "Jelly Bean" Bryant wore in high school. - ESPN

Well, if Kobe did changed his number from the now-famous no.8 to a somewhat unpopular no.24, the way his jerseys sell might NOT be the only one to change.

This may sound crazy but bear with me on this one.

Remember when Jordan came out of retirement wearing no.45? Jordan was not the same. In fact, he played like a goddamn World War II veteran. When Jordan brought back his good ‘ol no.23, he led the Bulls to the incredible 72-10 season.

Well, a number is STILL just a number. But if Kobe started the 2006-2007 season without his no.8 purple and gold, it just wouldn’t look right. It’s like watching Oprah pose for Playboy. Ugh… Now, that mere thought sent shivers down my spine.

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