2020 Late December Auction Closing January 3
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/3/2021
Offered here is a replica Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant yellow home jersey dating to his rookie season of 1996-97. Bryant was selected with the 13th overall pick of the draft out of Lower Merion High School by the Charlotte Hornets, and immediately flipped to the Lakers with Vlade Divac heading the other way. Bryant played in 76 games for the Lakers his rookie year, coming off the bench to average 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per 36 minutes. Bryant’s rise was extraordinary, and by his sophomore year had already picked up his first of 18 All-Star nods. The lifelong Laker played until the end of the 2015-2016 season and was posthumously elected to the Hall of Fame following his tragic death on January 26, 2020.
This yellow mesh jersey has “LAKERS” and Bryant’s now-retired number “8” sewn on the chest in purple and white tackle twill. “BRYANT” and a second “8” are sewn on the back of the jersey in purple and white tackle twill. A gold NBA logo patch is sewn on the chest, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Basketball Association. A Champion size “44” tag is sewn on the front left tail. Bryant’s rookie era signature has been signed the “8” digit on the back in gold marker. This jersey comes with a LOA from JSA and a Kobe Bryant hologram.