Basketball
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Sport Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Origins of sports Textiles Sport equipment Sport document Autograph
Chronology : 1998 2008
See also : Sport Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Origins of sports Textiles Sport equipment Sport document Autograph
Chronology : 1998 2008
1891 Founding Rules of Basket Ball
2010 SOLD for $ 4.3M by Sotheby's
Basketball (originally spelled Basket-Ball) is a sport of flexibility and skill. It was created in 1891 in the United States, a little late compared to other competitive sports whose growth is linked to the development of transportation.
By design, it is not a rough sport. The idea of the inventor, the Canadian James Naismith, was to occupy without risk of injury the sportsmen in winter, when weather conditions do not allow to play baseball or football.
The elevated position of the baskets gives a specific interest to this sport that does not invite to physical contact. One can argue whether similar sports existed before basketball and inspired Naismith. No matter: the basketball based on his thirteen rules has become one of the most popular sports due to the simplicity of its required equipment.
Naismith had typed these thirteen rules, in two sheets that he modified by hand writing and signed. His family, who had kept this precious document, sells it at Sotheby's on December 10, 2010 for the benefit of a Canadian foundation that spreads the ideals of sportsmanship of the inventor. It was sold for $ 4.3M from an estimate of $ 2M. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The invention of basketball was arguably a major act of modern history, one of those advances that have impacted the lives and behavior of millions of people.
By design, it is not a rough sport. The idea of the inventor, the Canadian James Naismith, was to occupy without risk of injury the sportsmen in winter, when weather conditions do not allow to play baseball or football.
The elevated position of the baskets gives a specific interest to this sport that does not invite to physical contact. One can argue whether similar sports existed before basketball and inspired Naismith. No matter: the basketball based on his thirteen rules has become one of the most popular sports due to the simplicity of its required equipment.
Naismith had typed these thirteen rules, in two sheets that he modified by hand writing and signed. His family, who had kept this precious document, sells it at Sotheby's on December 10, 2010 for the benefit of a Canadian foundation that spreads the ideals of sportsmanship of the inventor. It was sold for $ 4.3M from an estimate of $ 2M. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The invention of basketball was arguably a major act of modern history, one of those advances that have impacted the lives and behavior of millions of people.
1972 Wilt Chamberlain NBA Finals Home Jersey
2023 SOLD for $ 4.9M by Sotheby's
Wilt Chamberlain made his NBA debut in October 1959 with the Philadelphia Warriors. The $ 30,000 rookie contract of the phenomenal 23 year old player 2.16 m 117 kg was unprecedented in basketball. With 2,102 points scored in 56 games in that first season, he was breaking the all time regular season record.
Threatening to retire after that season, he had his salary increased to $ 65,000. It was a good deal : Chamberlain crushed his records in the next two seasons. On March 2, 1962 he scored 100 points in a single game.
The home uniform from Chamberlain's rookie season was sold for $ 1.8M by SCP on June 17, 2023, lot 1. It is made of the size 40 jersey dated 59 and the trunks. The two pieces had possibly been used in every home game in the rookie season and display a heavy game wear including perspiration and a stain which is possibly blood.
The jersey has been photo-matched by Sports Investors with six games from January to March 1960 and is graded A9 by MEARS.
In 1971 Bill Sharman was appointed lead coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. His method of game day routine including team meeting and of early morning practice including calisthenics led to immediate results. The Lakers recorded a stunning 69-13 win-loss of games in the 1971-72 NBA season including 33 straight games from November to January. The lead players were Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain.
The NBA Finals were played between the Lakers and the New York Knicks. On May 5, 1972, Chamberlain broke his right hand in the fourth Game. On May 7, he played the fifth and last game with his hand packed into thick pads, recording 24 points, 29 rebounds, 8 assists, and 8 blocked shots. He had refused a painkiller for fear he would lose his shooting touch.
With their win 114-100 in that fifth Game, the Lakers got the NBA title for the first time since they have moved from Milwaukee to Los Angeles. Chamberlain was awarded the Finals MVP for the first and last time and Sharman was named NBA Coach of the year.
A gold color # 13 Lakers jersey worn by Chamberlain is photo-matched by MeiGray and Sports Investors Authenticated with a number of games including the Western Conference Finals in April 1972 and the Games 2 and 5 of the NBA Finals. The other three games of the Finals had been played in New York. This cotton garment by Tiernan was sold for $ 4.9M by Sotheby's on September 27, 2023, lot 1.
Threatening to retire after that season, he had his salary increased to $ 65,000. It was a good deal : Chamberlain crushed his records in the next two seasons. On March 2, 1962 he scored 100 points in a single game.
The home uniform from Chamberlain's rookie season was sold for $ 1.8M by SCP on June 17, 2023, lot 1. It is made of the size 40 jersey dated 59 and the trunks. The two pieces had possibly been used in every home game in the rookie season and display a heavy game wear including perspiration and a stain which is possibly blood.
The jersey has been photo-matched by Sports Investors with six games from January to March 1960 and is graded A9 by MEARS.
In 1971 Bill Sharman was appointed lead coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. His method of game day routine including team meeting and of early morning practice including calisthenics led to immediate results. The Lakers recorded a stunning 69-13 win-loss of games in the 1971-72 NBA season including 33 straight games from November to January. The lead players were Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain.
The NBA Finals were played between the Lakers and the New York Knicks. On May 5, 1972, Chamberlain broke his right hand in the fourth Game. On May 7, he played the fifth and last game with his hand packed into thick pads, recording 24 points, 29 rebounds, 8 assists, and 8 blocked shots. He had refused a painkiller for fear he would lose his shooting touch.
With their win 114-100 in that fifth Game, the Lakers got the NBA title for the first time since they have moved from Milwaukee to Los Angeles. Chamberlain was awarded the Finals MVP for the first and last time and Sharman was named NBA Coach of the year.
A gold color # 13 Lakers jersey worn by Chamberlain is photo-matched by MeiGray and Sports Investors Authenticated with a number of games including the Western Conference Finals in April 1972 and the Games 2 and 5 of the NBA Finals. The other three games of the Finals had been played in New York. This cotton garment by Tiernan was sold for $ 4.9M by Sotheby's on September 27, 2023, lot 1.
JORDAN
1
1984 Rookie Road Jersey
2025 SOLD for $ 4.2M by Sotheby's
Michael Jordan begins his NBA career in 1984 with the Chicago Bulls.
A road jersey bearing his number 23 was photo-matched by MeiGray with a video footage to the first NBA game played by Jordan, on October 5, 1984.
It also has been photo-matched by SIA to Jordan's 2nd NBA game on October 7, 1984 and by MeiGray to his 3rd NBA game on October 13, 1984. MeiGray stated that they "believe that this is the first jersey Michael Jordan ever wore while playing in the NBA."
It was sold for $ 4.2M by Sotheby's on March 26, 2025, lot 1. It has been signed by Jordan. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
A road jersey bearing his number 23 was photo-matched by MeiGray with a video footage to the first NBA game played by Jordan, on October 5, 1984.
It also has been photo-matched by SIA to Jordan's 2nd NBA game on October 7, 1984 and by MeiGray to his 3rd NBA game on October 13, 1984. MeiGray stated that they "believe that this is the first jersey Michael Jordan ever wore while playing in the NBA."
It was sold for $ 4.2M by Sotheby's on March 26, 2025, lot 1. It has been signed by Jordan. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
2
1996 Road Jersey
2024 SOLD for $ 4.7M by Sotheby's
Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls in 1995 after a 18 month hiatus. He led that team to championship each year from 1996 to 1998, winning that three Finals MVP awards but losing to Malone the overall 1997 NBA MVP.
A game worn road red jersey of Michael Jordan with the number 23 of the Bulls has been photo-matched by MeiGray with an impressive 17 NBA games in 15 cities from December 1996 to April 1997. He recorded in these games a total of 528 points which is 31 points per game. MeiGray suggest that it has also been used in 3 non-photo-matched games.
Michael's jersey are rare until and including that 1996-97 season due to extensive reuse. Many fakes have surfaced. His game worn jerseys are more common in the next season known as the Last Dance, because the Bulls used to sell these garments for charity purposes.
The example above was sold for $ 4.7M by Sotheby's on November 4, 2024, lot 1.
A game worn road red jersey of Michael Jordan with the number 23 of the Bulls has been photo-matched by MeiGray with an impressive 17 NBA games in 15 cities from December 1996 to April 1997. He recorded in these games a total of 528 points which is 31 points per game. MeiGray suggest that it has also been used in 3 non-photo-matched games.
Michael's jersey are rare until and including that 1996-97 season due to extensive reuse. Many fakes have surfaced. His game worn jerseys are more common in the next season known as the Last Dance, because the Bulls used to sell these garments for charity purposes.
The example above was sold for $ 4.7M by Sotheby's on November 4, 2024, lot 1.
3
1998 NBA Finals Road Jersey
2022 SOLD for $ 10M by Sotheby's
The 1998 Finals were a key event in NBA history, opposing the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan, who had hitherto made his whole NBA career with the Bulls, won the Most Valuable Player award of the Finals and his sixth NBA championship.
The first game was made in Salt Lake City on June 3, in a surrounding ambience hostile to the Bulls. Utah won it by a narrow margin, despite the 33 points scored by Jordan.
The road jersey worn by Michael Jordan in that Game 1 was sold for $ 10M from a lower estimate of $ 3M by Sotheby's on September 15, 2022, lot 1. It has been photo matched in game use by MeiGray.
Two days later in the same venue, Game 2 was a must win for the Bulls. Utah was so hostile to their visitors that Jordan's kids did not attend. It was won by Chicago 93-88, with Jordan scoring 37. The series was thus tied 1-1 at that time.
The current model of the Nike Air Jordan sneakers was the number XIII. The size 13 black and red pair worn by Jordan in the second half of Game 2 was sold for $ 2.24M by Sotheby's on April 11, 2023, lot 1.
After Game 5 the Bulls were leading 3-2 and Utah could expect a tie as the home team in Game 6. The game was tied 83-83 with one minute left. Utah scored with 43 seconds left and Jordan brought the victory of Game 6 and the Finals to the Bulls at 87-86 with 5 seconds and a timeout left. Jordan had scored 45 points in Game 6 where he wore a similar red and black road jersey as in Game 1.
That win was also the end of an era for the Bulls plagued by tension between manager and coach. Jordan announced his retirement but made a come back as NBA player with the Washington Wizards in 2001 after the September 11 attack.
In 2020 The Last Dance raised a worldwide attention to Michael Jordan as an all sport Greatest Of All Time. This 10-part TV documentary relied on 500 hour footage of candid film of the Bulls in that highly successful 1997-1998 season, made by an entertainment crew for use in a documentary. The project had been delayed until Jordan gave his permission;
The first game was made in Salt Lake City on June 3, in a surrounding ambience hostile to the Bulls. Utah won it by a narrow margin, despite the 33 points scored by Jordan.
The road jersey worn by Michael Jordan in that Game 1 was sold for $ 10M from a lower estimate of $ 3M by Sotheby's on September 15, 2022, lot 1. It has been photo matched in game use by MeiGray.
Two days later in the same venue, Game 2 was a must win for the Bulls. Utah was so hostile to their visitors that Jordan's kids did not attend. It was won by Chicago 93-88, with Jordan scoring 37. The series was thus tied 1-1 at that time.
The current model of the Nike Air Jordan sneakers was the number XIII. The size 13 black and red pair worn by Jordan in the second half of Game 2 was sold for $ 2.24M by Sotheby's on April 11, 2023, lot 1.
After Game 5 the Bulls were leading 3-2 and Utah could expect a tie as the home team in Game 6. The game was tied 83-83 with one minute left. Utah scored with 43 seconds left and Jordan brought the victory of Game 6 and the Finals to the Bulls at 87-86 with 5 seconds and a timeout left. Jordan had scored 45 points in Game 6 where he wore a similar red and black road jersey as in Game 1.
That win was also the end of an era for the Bulls plagued by tension between manager and coach. Jordan announced his retirement but made a come back as NBA player with the Washington Wizards in 2001 after the September 11 attack.
In 2020 The Last Dance raised a worldwide attention to Michael Jordan as an all sport Greatest Of All Time. This 10-part TV documentary relied on 500 hour footage of candid film of the Bulls in that highly successful 1997-1998 season, made by an entertainment crew for use in a documentary. The project had been delayed until Jordan gave his permission;
4
1991-1998 NBA Finals Sneakers
2024 SOLD for $ 8M by Sotheby's
The Chicago Bulls entered and won their first NBA finals in 1991 with Michael Jordan elected Most Valuable Player of the event. Prior to the match a Public relations executive of the club had asked the champion for an individual game worn sneaker should the Bulls be victorious. So did Jordan.
The same wins happened again in 1992. An amused Jordan considered that his gift should become a tradition and presented a game worn shoe from that final to the same club officer. A photo was made of the smiling champion with one shoe missing.
The story was repeated in 1993. After a two year gap the Bulls had three further finals wins, in 1996, 1997 and 1998, with Jordan each time elected the MVP. New presentations of shoes were made.
The full set of six sneakers is made of Nike Air Jordan VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII and XIV, one of each. It was sold for $ 8M by Sotheby's on February 2, 2024, lot 4. It is accompanied by the 1/1 of the 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1998 photos.
The same wins happened again in 1992. An amused Jordan considered that his gift should become a tradition and presented a game worn shoe from that final to the same club officer. A photo was made of the smiling champion with one shoe missing.
The story was repeated in 1993. After a two year gap the Bulls had three further finals wins, in 1996, 1997 and 1998, with Jordan each time elected the MVP. New presentations of shoes were made.
The full set of six sneakers is made of Nike Air Jordan VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII and XIV, one of each. It was sold for $ 8M by Sotheby's on February 2, 2024, lot 4. It is accompanied by the 1/1 of the 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1998 photos.
BRYANT
1
1996 Rookie Home Jersey
2025 SOLD for $ 7M by Sotheby's
After a great high school season where his achievements had been compared with those of Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant was picked in the first round of the 1996 NBA drafts in June 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets acting on behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bryant will never leave the Lakers, changing his jersey number from 8 to 24 in 2006.A size 44 Champion home jersey of the Lakers with the number 8 has been photo-matched with seven events including the NBA Media day on October 1, 1996, the NBA pre-seacon debut on October 16, the first NBA game played by Bryant on November 3 and three other NBA games in that month.
This garment is thus the very first home jersey worn by Kobe Bryant in his NBA rookie season. It was sold for $ 7M by Sotheby's on April 24, 2025, lot 1.
The photo-matchings were made by MeiGray, SIA and PSA.
Bryant will never leave the Lakers, changing his jersey number from 8 to 24 in 2006.A size 44 Champion home jersey of the Lakers with the number 8 has been photo-matched with seven events including the NBA Media day on October 1, 1996, the NBA pre-seacon debut on October 16, the first NBA game played by Bryant on November 3 and three other NBA games in that month.
This garment is thus the very first home jersey worn by Kobe Bryant in his NBA rookie season. It was sold for $ 7M by Sotheby's on April 24, 2025, lot 1.
The photo-matchings were made by MeiGray, SIA and PSA.
2
1996 Home Jersey
2021 SOLD for $ 3.7M by Goldin
On May 22, 2021, Goldin sold for $ 3.7M one of the very first Lakers home jerseys worn by Kobe Bryant, lot 10. It has been matched to a photo shoot before the opening of the 1996-1997 season.
This size 44 Lakers 8 jersey has also been conclusively matched by Resolution Photomatching to seven home games from that season including against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 8, 1996, plus tentatively to two other games.
This jersey is correct to the uniforms made by Champion for the Lakers in the 1996-1997 season and the autograph signature has been authenticated by Beckett. It is in a condition of an extensive game use.
A home jersey in the purple and gold colors of the Lakers was sold for $ 2.74M by SCP on June 4, 2022, lot 1. It is illustrated in the pre sale article by Sports Collectors Daily. It bears the number 8 of Kobe Bryant. Please watch the video shared by the auction house and the pre sale video shared by TMZ.
Previously unknown, it surfaced for that auction when the consignor knew about the earlier rookie jersey of Kobe Bryant that was sold for $ 3.7M by Goldin on May 22, 2021. He claims having it presented to him directly by Kobe.
This piece of uniform has recognizable mesh holes lined up with stitching and loose threads. It has been photo-matched by three matching service providers with overall five matches of Bryant's rookie season from April 1997 ending in two NBA playoff in May 8 and 10 which were his last home games of that season.
The Lakers lost that semifinal to the Utah. In the fifth and final game in Salt Lake City, the not yet 19 year old champion performed no less than 4 jump shots during the overtime.
This size 44 Lakers 8 jersey has also been conclusively matched by Resolution Photomatching to seven home games from that season including against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 8, 1996, plus tentatively to two other games.
This jersey is correct to the uniforms made by Champion for the Lakers in the 1996-1997 season and the autograph signature has been authenticated by Beckett. It is in a condition of an extensive game use.
A home jersey in the purple and gold colors of the Lakers was sold for $ 2.74M by SCP on June 4, 2022, lot 1. It is illustrated in the pre sale article by Sports Collectors Daily. It bears the number 8 of Kobe Bryant. Please watch the video shared by the auction house and the pre sale video shared by TMZ.
Previously unknown, it surfaced for that auction when the consignor knew about the earlier rookie jersey of Kobe Bryant that was sold for $ 3.7M by Goldin on May 22, 2021. He claims having it presented to him directly by Kobe.
This piece of uniform has recognizable mesh holes lined up with stitching and loose threads. It has been photo-matched by three matching service providers with overall five matches of Bryant's rookie season from April 1997 ending in two NBA playoff in May 8 and 10 which were his last home games of that season.
The Lakers lost that semifinal to the Utah. In the fifth and final game in Salt Lake City, the not yet 19 year old champion performed no less than 4 jump shots during the overtime.
3
(2007)-2008 Mamba Mentality Jersey
2023 SOLD for $ 5.8M by Sotheby's
The competition passion of Kobe Bryant, who identified himself as Black Mamba, was a major inspiration for the younger NBA players and for sport and business beyond basketball. He was everyday demanding the most from himself to become and remain the best. His work ethic is identified as the Mamba mentality. A playmate wrote : "Kobe knew that to be the best you need a different approach from everyone else."
An image of Kobe is iconic and had many derivative products such as murals, posters, magazines, t-shirts, skateboards, tattoos and more. The champion is screaming his triumph and pumping his chest in elation after scoring a decisive three point shot for his Lakers against Denver on April 23, 2008. When Kobe was posthumously enshrined in 2020 into the Hall of Fame, this moment was featured on the program and VIP Passes for the evening.
The number 24 Lakers gold home jersey worn by Kobe on this image had an extensive use during the 2007-2008 season with 26 photomatchings authenticated by MeiGray from Getty images. The catalogue estimates that Kobe Bryant scored 645 points in this jersey.
It was also worn for the MVP (Most Valuable Player) trophy presentation on May 7, 2008, which was the only NBA MVP of his career.
This Adidas jersey size 54 plus 2 length was sold for $ 5.8M by Sotheby's on February 9, 2023, lot 1. The uniform is accompanied with photos of period murals in Los Angeles and with an illustrated skate deck.
An image of Kobe is iconic and had many derivative products such as murals, posters, magazines, t-shirts, skateboards, tattoos and more. The champion is screaming his triumph and pumping his chest in elation after scoring a decisive three point shot for his Lakers against Denver on April 23, 2008. When Kobe was posthumously enshrined in 2020 into the Hall of Fame, this moment was featured on the program and VIP Passes for the evening.
The number 24 Lakers gold home jersey worn by Kobe on this image had an extensive use during the 2007-2008 season with 26 photomatchings authenticated by MeiGray from Getty images. The catalogue estimates that Kobe Bryant scored 645 points in this jersey.
It was also worn for the MVP (Most Valuable Player) trophy presentation on May 7, 2008, which was the only NBA MVP of his career.
This Adidas jersey size 54 plus 2 length was sold for $ 5.8M by Sotheby's on February 9, 2023, lot 1. The uniform is accompanied with photos of period murals in Los Angeles and with an illustrated skate deck.
2013 LeBron James Home Jersey
2023 SOLD for $ 3.7M by Sotheby's
LeBron James signed with the Miami Heat in 2010. In the 2012 NBA Finals the Heat had an easy win in five games 4-1 against the Oklahoma Thunder. James had scored 30, 32, 29, 26 and 26.
The 2013 Finals were much more challenging, between the Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs were leading the series 3-2 so that the 6th game, played in Miami, would be decisive. With 28.2 seconds remaining, the Spurs were leading 94-89 but the Heat were able to tie and to win after an overtime by 103-100, now tying the series at 3-3..
In these conditions the final and 7th game, also happening in Miami, promised to be one of the most thrilling events in NBA history. It was. Miami won 95-88 including 37 points scored by James.
The jersey number 6 worn by James in the first half of the 7th game was sold for $ 3.7M by Sotheby's on January 27, 2023, lot 1. This Adidas garment is of size 2XL plus 2 length for that 2.03 m 113 kg tall guy. It is photomatched by MeiGray.
The 2013 Finals were much more challenging, between the Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs were leading the series 3-2 so that the 6th game, played in Miami, would be decisive. With 28.2 seconds remaining, the Spurs were leading 94-89 but the Heat were able to tie and to win after an overtime by 103-100, now tying the series at 3-3..
In these conditions the final and 7th game, also happening in Miami, promised to be one of the most thrilling events in NBA history. It was. Miami won 95-88 including 37 points scored by James.
The jersey number 6 worn by James in the first half of the 7th game was sold for $ 3.7M by Sotheby's on January 27, 2023, lot 1. This Adidas garment is of size 2XL plus 2 length for that 2.03 m 113 kg tall guy. It is photomatched by MeiGray.
