LOOK: Learn How NBA Players Can Change Their Jersey Numbers To Honor Kobe Bryant

A lot of teams are making their own version of tributes in order to express their sadness by the sudden death of perhaps one of the greatest basketball players in the world.

Upon hearing the news of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and her daughter Gianna, the world, not just from his team, but the entire world of sports, shared their memories with the five-time NBA champion and also sent their prayers through their social media outlets for the other casualties of the helicopter crash. Kobe and others are on their way to Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, CA to attend Gigi’s basketball practice and a game.

After the opening tip-off on all games on the day of tragedy, teams took their turns of watching the 24-second shotclock run out while other took an 8-second violation – honoring the two jersey numbers that the 41-year old NBA legend used in his 20-year career that was all spent with the Lakers.

Should any player decides to either use any of those numbers or switch to a different one to “give” Kobe his number, they have to act now before it’s too late. According to an ESPN report, players who wish to have their jersey numbers replaced next season should be requested by February 15 – leaving the players with a little over two weeks to decide whether they want to switch jersey numbers or not for next season.

The number, of course, should not be used by another player on the same team.

Because of the tragic loss of one of the sports’ greatest icons, NBA could have given an exemption to some players who wish to wear a different jersey number for the reason that most people already know of.

Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie changed his jersey number to no. 26 from no. 8 as a tribute to the Black Mamba. He chose no. 26 because it was the sum of his (April 6) and his son’s birthday (April 20) while some fans saw it as Kobe’s no. 24 and Gigi’s no. 2 combined.

Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross reverted back to no. 31 after waiting for a long time to use no. 8, which was restricted due to conflicts. When he was still with Toronto Raptors, no. 8 is worn by Jose Calderon and after getting traded to Orlando, it was Mario Hezonja was wearing the number. Ross finally had the chance to wear his preferred number this season but will give it up as a tribute to Kobe Bryant.

Trae Young also wore no. 8 to start the game against the Washington Wizards in honor of his mentor. He eventually went back to his jersey no. 11 and finished the game with 45 points in 24 shots and 14 assists.