Picture Credit: NBA
Kobe Bryant’s jersey from his rookie season, which was worn in two playoff games, will be put up for auction by the SCP Auctions next month. David Kohler of SCP Auctions expressed that the jersey from the 1996-97 season could fetch between $3 million and $5 million in an online auction that begins May 18.
Kohler also talked about how the seller got in touch with SCP Auctions after seeing another Kobe Bryant rookie jersey go for USD 3.69 million last year. That jersey was autographed and game-worn which went on the bring in the highest price ever for a basketball jersey. Last year, a Kobe Bryant rookie trading card was sold for $1.8 million.
The upcoming auction features the No. 8 jersey which was worn by Kobe Bryant for the Los Angeles Lakers in the regular-season games at the old Forum on 13 April 1997, against Utah and on 17 April 1997, against Sacramento.
The same jersey was also worn at home games on May 8 and May 10 in the Western Conference semifinals against Utah. The Lakeshow won the first game, where the Black Mamba dropped 19 points. They lost the second game, where he had nine points. Lakers eventually lost the series 4-1.
Recently, global sportswear brand Nike also renewed their deal with Kobe Bryant's wife after months of negotiation. Vanessa talked about the deal and said, “I am happy to announce that we will continue my husband's legacy with Nike and look forward to expanding his and Gigi's global impact by sharing the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come.”
John Donahoe, President & CEO of Nike also talked about the deal as he said, “Kobe Bryant means so much to so many of us, not just NBA fans but globally beyond the game. His impact on growing the sport, particularly encouraging women and young people to pick it up, endures as one of his deepest, lasting legacies. Together with Vanessa, we hope to honour Kobe and Gigi by championing a new generation for many years to come.”