Angels OF Justin Upton Changes Jersey to No. 10 in Honor of Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant's tragic death has impacted professional athletes in all sports, in addition to individuals around the world.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Justin Upton has been with the team since 2017 and has donned the No. 8 on his jersey. While that in itself is one of Bryant's former numbers, Upton is changing to No. 10 to honor not only Kobe, but also his daughter Gianna.

Angels outfielder Justin Upton is changing his jersey number from No. 8 to No. 10, in part to pay tribute to the passing of Kobe (and Gianna) Bryant, I’m told. He’s also used it in past stops with ARI, SD.

Kobe’s No. 8 + Gianna’s No. 2 = 10.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 8, 2020

This is a nice, heartfelt gesture by Upton. It is subtle in nature, but the reasoning behind it is what adds so much meaning to the number change. This is especially meaningful as Upton plays in the city that has been so hurt by the monumental loss.

The No. 10 isn't unfamiliar to Upton either, as he wore the digits during his stints with the Padres and Diamondbacks.

JUSTIN UPTON LOOKS TO HAVE TRADED HIS #8 JERSEY FOR A #10. BIG UPS FOR J UP #KOBE ?? pic.twitter.com/DaEYnfrBBQ
— Rocks In the Outfield (@RocksInTheOF) February 6, 2020

Adding the jersey numbers of Kobe and Gianna is a creative tribute. Upton changing from No. 8 may also be a small honor to Kobe as well, similar to the tribute paid to the late Laker legend by Spencer Dinwiddie, who swapped to No. 26.