With his untimely passing in 2020, Kobe Bryant left a lasting legacy for an entire generation of Los Angeles Lakers fans and basketball fans alike. That's why it's no surprise that the last pieces of his memorabilia are going for mind-blowing sums.
The latest on that list is an unreal Kobe Bryant game-worn jersey that just sold for a whopping $2.73 million at auction. What makes this particular jersey so special? It's reportedly the only game-worn jersey from his rookie season that can credibly be photo-matched as one he wore in his first year with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to TMZ Sports.
Photomatched game-used rookie Kobe jersey brought in $2.73 million last night at @SCPAuctions. pic.twitter.com/ZeVUwBEMI0
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 5, 2022
What makes it extra sweet is that he wore it not once, or even twice, but on at least five different occasions – including a couple of playoff home games.
Article Continues BelowVia TMZ Sports:
Bryant wore the jersey on at least five occasions … including two home games during the 1996-1997 NBA playoff series against Karl Malone, John Stockton, and the Utah Jazz.
The playoff games were played on May 8 and May 10, 1997. On the 8th, the Lakers won 104-84. Bryant dropped 19 points in just over 19 minutes.
During game 4 on May 10, 1997, L.A. — down two games to one — was defeated 110-95. Mamba, who came off the bench that series, had a down game, scoring 9 points in 28 minutes.
The winning bidder may have spent a cool $2.73 million on a piece of legendary fabric. But there's a good chance that the price only goes up from here.