Los Angeles Lakers honours Kobe Bryant as they retire two of his jerseys following stellar 20-year career (Photos)

NBA club, Los Angeles Lakers, has honoured basketball legend, Kobe Bryant by retiring both his No 8 and No 24 jerseys following stellar 20-year career. The ceremony took place at the Staples Center at halftime as the Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.

It was the very first time both jerseysworn by a basketballer were retired at once. According to reports,  Los Angeles opted to retire both numbers because Bryant, who retired in 2016, spent his first 10 seasons wearing No 8 and his final 10 in No 24Before the ceremony, a Kobe's short film, 'Dear Basketball', was played onthe arena Jumbotron.

Bryant was then introduced by fellow Lakers jersey retiree Magic Johnson. In a speech by Magic Johnson, who is the Lakers president, he encouraged Bryant to use his platform to help unite this country. 'The thing, Kobe, is this, brother: We need you right now. When I look into this audience, there [are] all races of people [who] come together, cheeredyou on for 20 years. And this countryneeds to come together,' Johnson said.'And you were able to bring us all together - the city and Los Angeles - for 20 years.

So I want to thank you for that.'Three-time MVP attended the event with his beautiful wife, Vanessa Laine Bryant and children Natalia Diamante Bryant, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant and Bianka Bella Bryant.