Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers debut jersey has made headlines by selling for a staggering $7 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York City, setting a new record for any Bryant collectible. This iconic jersey, worn by Bryant during his rookie season in 1996-97, including both his preseason debut on October 16 and his regular-season debut on November 3, represents a tangible piece of basketball history and the beginning of a legendary career.
The jersey was meticulously photo-matched to seven games from Bryant’s rookie season, as well as his NBA media day, confirming its authenticity and historical significance. It is a rare artifact that captures the genesis of Bryant’s journey from a teenage prodigy to one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The gold and purple threads of the Lakers jersey bear witness to the early moments of Bryant’s NBA career, symbolizing his ambition, perseverance, and the relentless "Mamba mentality" that defined him.
This $7 million sale places Kobe Bryant’s debut jersey as the fourth most expensive game-worn sports jersey ever sold, trailing only Babe Ruth’s "called shot" jersey ($24 million), Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey ($10.1 million), and Diego Maradona’s "Hand of God" Argentina jersey from the 1986 World Cup ($9.3 million). It also surpasses the previous record for a Kobe Bryant collectible, which was $5.85 million for his signed jersey from the 2007-08 MVP season.
Bryan’s career achievements are legendary: a five-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, and the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points. Tragically, Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, making memorabilia like this jersey even more cherished by fans and collectors alike.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, emphasized the unique significance of debut games, calling them "truly one-of-a-kind moments in an athlete’s career" and highlighting how such milestones represent singular moments that can never be replicated. The sale not only honors Bryant’s legacy but also reflects the enduring impact he has had on sports and culture worldwide.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors predicted to bag 6-foot-8 Brookly Nets star forward to strengthen roster around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
In summary, Kobe Bryant’s Lakers debut jersey’s $7 million auction price underscores the lasting reverence for his career and the cultural importance of sports memorabilia tied to iconic athletes.
The jersey was meticulously photo-matched to seven games from Bryant’s rookie season, as well as his NBA media day, confirming its authenticity and historical significance. It is a rare artifact that captures the genesis of Bryant’s journey from a teenage prodigy to one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The gold and purple threads of the Lakers jersey bear witness to the early moments of Bryant’s NBA career, symbolizing his ambition, perseverance, and the relentless "Mamba mentality" that defined him.
This $7 million sale places Kobe Bryant’s debut jersey as the fourth most expensive game-worn sports jersey ever sold, trailing only Babe Ruth’s "called shot" jersey ($24 million), Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey ($10.1 million), and Diego Maradona’s "Hand of God" Argentina jersey from the 1986 World Cup ($9.3 million). It also surpasses the previous record for a Kobe Bryant collectible, which was $5.85 million for his signed jersey from the 2007-08 MVP season.
Bryan’s career achievements are legendary: a five-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, and the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points. Tragically, Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, making memorabilia like this jersey even more cherished by fans and collectors alike.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, emphasized the unique significance of debut games, calling them "truly one-of-a-kind moments in an athlete’s career" and highlighting how such milestones represent singular moments that can never be replicated. The sale not only honors Bryant’s legacy but also reflects the enduring impact he has had on sports and culture worldwide.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors predicted to bag 6-foot-8 Brookly Nets star forward to strengthen roster around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
In summary, Kobe Bryant’s Lakers debut jersey’s $7 million auction price underscores the lasting reverence for his career and the cultural importance of sports memorabilia tied to iconic athletes.
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