KB8

 
There were 2 distinct chapters in Kobe Bryant's career that were marked by the numbers he wore. From a seldom used rookie in 1996, through the 2005-2006 season where he was undoubtedly one of the best (if not the best) players in professional basketball, Kobe wore the number 8
As these were the years of "ascension" they were exciting and full of moments you could point to and say THIS is where he crossed over into the category of one of the game's "Greats".
 
By his own admission 2002-2003 was a period where he felt his individual abilities may have been near or at their peak, going so far as to say in an interview that he would have debates with MJ about how that version would stack up against Jordan in '91.
We never got to see that matchup, but we did get to see a 2002-2003 that was an encapsulation of his combination of competitiveness, effort, skill and athleticism - displayed on the biggest stages - that would ultimately cement Kobe Bryant as an Iconic player.