8 vs. 24: Which Kobe was most memorable?

It's 10 p.m. in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. Confetti is raining down as a mob of fans are chanting for the bittersweet end of greatness. 'Thank you, Kobe!' It became a celebration mimicking that of a championship. That was it. The final game. 60 points. 50 shots. No more Kobe Bryant.

An epic end to one of the most memorable careers will be celebrated once again Monday night. One year, eight months, and five days after that final buzzer, the Los Angeles Lakers will be placing both number 8 and 24 in the rafters to commemorate the legend of the Black Mamba.

It will be the first time in history one player has had two numbers retired by the same franchise. That begs the question, between the two numbers, which was most memorable? His 10 seasons parading as a young stud on the verge of greatness wearing number 8? Or was it the 10 seasons donning number 24 as he became one of the best to ever step on a court?

Memorable Moment: 81 points vs. 60 points

Eighty-one points in a single game. The second highest single-game point total by a player in NBA history, and one of the most relentless performances ever televised, Bryant dismantled the Toronto Raptors from start to finish.

Nearly 12 years later, the game maintains a surreal measure in hindsight. An argument can be made that this is the most memorable game in decades, if not all-time.

Incredibly, the 60 points Bryant scored in the final game of his career may arguably be the best moment of his career, though certainly not his best game.

The moment, however, was a meaningful end to what had been a disastrous final three seasons for Bryant and the Lakers. Prior to his curtain call, Bryant had played in 106 of a possible 245 games. That last game was important. That final celebration was necessary. He finished his career in the most Kobe way ever.

The 50 shots Bryant hoisted in those final 42 minutes of his career were the most in NBA history. The Lakers had 16 wins in what was the worst season in Lakers history. Win number 17 was bigger than basketball.

Although the argument for best moment can be made for his final act, the number 81 will follow Bryant around for the rest of his lifetime. It's a number that will represent him greater than the two that will hang from the rafters of the Staples Center. The great debate of 'who's the greatest' will often include somebody shouting three syllables: 'eighty-one.'

Winner: 8

Memorable Season: 2005-06 vs. 2007-08

At this point, it's obvious Bryant was a fierce competitor and unstoppable scorer. His numbers, at times inefficient, were downright spectacular. The 35.4 points per game he averaged during the 05-06 campaign is the eighth highest in NBA history, and the third best non-Chamberlain scoring season ever - behind only Michael Jordan (37.1) and Rick Barry (35.6).

In terms of peak performance, this was the best Bryant throughout his 20 seasons in the NBA. With a roster from the land of misfit toys - including the likes of Chris Mihm, Kwame Brown, and a lot more Smush Parker than eyes can handle - Bryant still managed to lead the Lakers to 45 wins and a playoff appearance.

However, two seasons later, there was a new Bryant complete with a new roster, including the mid-season arrival of Bryant's favorite sidekick, Pau Gasol. Blessed with the opportunity to win for the first time since his 'Shaquille O'Neal or me' ultimatum four years prior, Bryant flourished, winning his first and only MVP and led the Lakers to their first finals appearance since 2004.

Sure, the season ended in disappointment, after losing in six games to the Boston Celtics. But it was the start of the Kobe Bryant that finally separated himself from the overgrown shadows of O'Neal. Bryant won championships in the following two seasons. This was the season Bryant became the man, and arguments of his G.O.A.T. status followed.

Winner: 24

Memorable Controversy: Sexual assault vs. Trade demand

Simply put, this isn't a fair comparison. A 19-year-old woman accused Bryant of sexually assaulting her in Colorado in July 2003. A story that smeared his reputation and haunted him for several years after. Bryant denied the allegations by the woman, and the case was eventually settled out of court.

The troubling drama lost Bryant several endorsement deals and understandably so. In today's social media driven society, there may have been no chance of survival for Bryant had these allegations happened in 2017, which is the only reasonable result if there was any hint of truth behind the accusation.

As for the trade demand, there is of course minimal recollection in comparison to his 2003 courtroom drama. His years as number 24 were squeaky clean when it came to controversy. After the Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2007 playoffs, Bryant was frustrated and disturbed by what the franchise had surrounded him with.

Trade rumors began to swirl, as conversations with the LA Clippers, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Pistons began to leak. Bryant even confirmed that the Bulls were his preferred destination years later. Of course, all was in the past, and Bryant quickly went from bad teammate to the face of the NBA.

Winner (Loser): 8

Stats Comparison

It's remarkable looking back at what Bryant was able to accomplish in his 20 seasons in the NBA. His first 10 years in the league were spectacular. Coming in as an 18-year-old straight out of high school with all the potential in the world, he showed some flashes of greatness in his first couple years.

Eventually, he became the number two man in what was one of the best duo's the NBA has ever had the pleasure of displaying. Bryant and O'Neal were an unstoppable pairing through their three-year destruction, en route to three straight NBA Championships from 2000-to-2002.

The latter half of his first 10 years was the best Bryant ever, from a strictly talent point of view. He was capable of scoring anything from anywhere and athletically, he was at the peak of his powers prior to the age of 28.

When Bryant changed numbers, he was able to gain accomplishments in a different manner. He was able to continue his individual success while becoming the best leader in the league, winning two championships as the big dog in Los Angeles.

He was a sidekick no more, and instead, took over the league during these years. Bryant was everywhere. He was still the top-flight defender he was before and still a scoring machine anytime he stepped on the floor. But it's the latter half of his career where he became an MVP and an Olympic Gold medalist.

Winner: 24

Final Verdict

Bryant has had insane ups and downs in both halves of his career. In a very narrow margin, 24 gets the nod, only because he created a reputation for himself as one of the best to ever play the game. His 81 points and the drama weren't enough to overcome the MVP and no-Shaq championships. Regardless of which is remembered, when you raise your arm and flick your wrist, you'll utter the same name no matter the number: "Kobe."

(Photo courtesy: Getty)