Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/19/2014
The Charlotte Hornets signed an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant out of Lower Merion High School after selecting him 13th in the 1996 NBA draft. Three weeks later, Charlotte sent him to L.A. for Vlad Divac. Making his debut off the bench against the Timberwolves on November 3, Bryant missed one shot in the six minutes he played. His scoring, his minutes and his prospects for basketball immortality grew from that game on.
After 17 seasons, Kobe has won 5 NBA championships with the Lakers, appeared in 16 consecutive All-Star games, and garnered two NBA Finals MVPs and an NBA MVP award. He has also helped the U.S. basketball team earn gold in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and the 2007 FIBA tournament.
Bryant boldly signed this replica official FIBA basketball in vivid gold Sharpie across the panel above the Molten crest (Grade 9).
A green felt with gold pull string bag accompanies the ball, along with an Upper Deck COA verifying the signature.