Cuban: Kobe's No. 24 'will never again be worn' by Mavs player

In a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban announced no player will wear the No. 24 again for his club.

"Kobe was an ambassador for our game, a decorated legend and a global icon," Cuban said in a statement Sunday night. "Above all, he was a loving and dedicated father. Kobe's legacy transcends basketball, and our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick."

Bryant wore the No. 8 and 24 jerseys during his illustrious 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He made the switch to the latter to begin the 2006-07 campaign.

Bryant's first high school number was 24, and it was his top choice as a rookie. However, veteran forward George McCloud was already wearing it at the time.

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people who died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash.