Humble Beginnings: Kobe Bryant’s Jersey From His Rookie Season Auctions For Over $2 Million

Started from the bottom now we’re here.

Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers jersey from his rookie season has sold at auction for $2.73 million.

READ ALSO: Slam Dunk: Kobe Bryant Card Sells For Record-Setting $2 Million

The jersey that Bryant wore during the 1996-1997 season saw at least two playoff games, among others.

At the time, the basketball player entered the league as just a teenager.

SCP Auctions said that both the buyer and seller chose to remain anonymous.

The auction house’s president and chief executive officer David Kohler initially estimated that the jersey would sell for between $3 million to $5 million.

Previously, Bryant’s separate jersey also from his rookie days fetched $3.69 million in 2021.

This autographed item marked the highest price for a basketball jersey ever.

“However, that example was worn solely in the regular season, whereas this magnificent jersey was worn in the Mamba’s first-ever playoffs,” Kohler clarified.

The anonymous winning bidder received Bryant’s No. 8 jersey worn on April 13 and 17, 1997 in winning games against Utah and Sacramento.

Kohler said that independent authenticators verified and photo-matched the jersey.

Moreover, the purple-and-gold jersey corresponds to Bryant’s 1997 Skybox Z-Force trading card.

Bryant died in a helicopter crash in California on Jan. 26, 2020. The incident also claimed the lives of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others.

In his lifetime, the basketball legend won five NBA championships during his 20 seasons with the Lakers.

Banner Photo by SCP Auctions via Instagram

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