The tributes for Kobe Bryant continued on Tuesday, two days after the Lakers legend's tragic death in Calabasas, Calif. Sixers center Joel Embiid was the latest to honor Bryant as game action kicked off, donning the Mamba's No. 24 in a matchup with the Warriors.
No. 24 was previously retired in Philadelphia in honor of Hall of Fame forward Bobby Jones. The 11-time All-Defense member played eight years in Philadelphia from 1978-86, winning the Finals in 1983.
Jones gave permission to Embiid to wear his number pregame.
"I got a call from Joel. He explained to me how growing up in Africa, Kobe was a guy that he looked to as the star of American basketball at that time, and he is what made him want to play basketball," Jones told Sixers.