Basketball
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Sport Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Origins of sports Textiles Sport equipment Sport document Sport cards Modern sport cards
Chronology : 1998 2008
See also : Sport Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Origins of sports Textiles Sport equipment Sport document Sport cards Modern sport cards
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.
Wilt CHAMBERLAIN
Intro
Wilt Chamberlain holds an unparalleled place in basketball history as one of the most dominant and revolutionary players the sport has ever seen. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch with extraordinary athleticism, strength, and skill, he redefined what was possible on the court, particularly for big men. Chamberlain entered the NBA in 1959 with the Philadelphia Warriors after a stellar college career at Kansas and a brief stint with the Harlem Globetrotters. In his rookie season alone, he averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game, becoming the only player besides Wes Unseld to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same year. He went on to capture four regular-season MVP awards (1960, 1966–1968), two NBA championships (1967 with the Philadelphia 76ers and 1972 with the Los Angeles Lakers), and one Finals MVP (1972). Chamberlain was a 13-time All-Star, earning All-Star Game MVP in 1960, and was selected to 10 All-NBA teams (seven First Team).
His statistical dominance is legendary and often cited as evidence of his transformative impact. Chamberlain is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game (March 2, 1962, against the New York Knicks), and he holds the record for most 50-point games with 118—more than every other player in league history combined. He averaged 50.4 points per game in the 1961–62 season, the highest ever, and once averaged 48.5 minutes per game over an entire season, showcasing his endurance. Chamberlain led the league in scoring seven times (1960–1966), rebounding 11 times, and even assists once (1968, as a center, to prove his versatility). He's the sole player to average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in a season (achieving this seven times) and over an entire career. With 23,924 career rebounds, he's the all-time leader, and his career averages of 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game remain unmatched in sheer volume. Beyond stats, Chamberlain's presence forced the NBA to widen the lane and institute rules against offensive goaltending and inbounding over the backboard to curb his dominance. He was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978 and named to the NBA's 35th, 50th, and 75th anniversary teams. Many legends and historians view him as the most unstoppable offensive force ever, with over 60 NBA records still standing.As for whether Chamberlain ties with Michael Jordan as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT), this is inherently subjective and fuels endless debates, but based on historical analysis, they represent different pinnacles of excellence without a clear "tie." Jordan is widely regarded as the consensus GOAT by a majority of fans, players, and analysts, particularly those from the modern era, due to his perfect 6-0 Finals record, six Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs, 10 scoring titles, and Defensive Player of the Year award (1988). His cultural impact, clutch performances, and role in globalizing the NBA often elevate him above others. However, Chamberlain's advocates argue he was more dominant individually, with stats and feats that dwarf Jordan's in raw output—such as outscoring him in total points per season (4,029 vs. Jordan's high of 3,041) and holding records Jordan never approached. Wilt himself dismissed Jordan as the GOAT in interviews, noting that rules were changed specifically for him (not Jordan) and that he'd outscore MJ if he took as many shots. Some argue Wilt's era (fewer teams, faster pace) inflates his numbers, but counterpoints highlight his competition against Hall of Famers like Bill Russell and his versatility (leading in assists as a center).
Critics of Wilt point to his 2-4 Finals record and perceptions of underachievement despite talent, while Jordan's winning pedigree (no Finals losses) sets him apart. Yet, older generations and some legends call Wilt the true GOAT or most athletic ever, emphasizing he'd thrive in any era. Ultimately, they don't "tie" in a literal sense—Jordan edges out in popular consensus for his rings and intangibles, but Chamberlain's case as the most statistically dominant player keeps him firmly in the top tier, often ranked 2nd or 3rd all-time. The debate hinges on criteria: individual dominance (favoring Wilt) vs. team success and legacy (favoring Jordan).
His statistical dominance is legendary and often cited as evidence of his transformative impact. Chamberlain is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game (March 2, 1962, against the New York Knicks), and he holds the record for most 50-point games with 118—more than every other player in league history combined. He averaged 50.4 points per game in the 1961–62 season, the highest ever, and once averaged 48.5 minutes per game over an entire season, showcasing his endurance. Chamberlain led the league in scoring seven times (1960–1966), rebounding 11 times, and even assists once (1968, as a center, to prove his versatility). He's the sole player to average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in a season (achieving this seven times) and over an entire career. With 23,924 career rebounds, he's the all-time leader, and his career averages of 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game remain unmatched in sheer volume. Beyond stats, Chamberlain's presence forced the NBA to widen the lane and institute rules against offensive goaltending and inbounding over the backboard to curb his dominance. He was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978 and named to the NBA's 35th, 50th, and 75th anniversary teams. Many legends and historians view him as the most unstoppable offensive force ever, with over 60 NBA records still standing.As for whether Chamberlain ties with Michael Jordan as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT), this is inherently subjective and fuels endless debates, but based on historical analysis, they represent different pinnacles of excellence without a clear "tie." Jordan is widely regarded as the consensus GOAT by a majority of fans, players, and analysts, particularly those from the modern era, due to his perfect 6-0 Finals record, six Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs, 10 scoring titles, and Defensive Player of the Year award (1988). His cultural impact, clutch performances, and role in globalizing the NBA often elevate him above others. However, Chamberlain's advocates argue he was more dominant individually, with stats and feats that dwarf Jordan's in raw output—such as outscoring him in total points per season (4,029 vs. Jordan's high of 3,041) and holding records Jordan never approached. Wilt himself dismissed Jordan as the GOAT in interviews, noting that rules were changed specifically for him (not Jordan) and that he'd outscore MJ if he took as many shots. Some argue Wilt's era (fewer teams, faster pace) inflates his numbers, but counterpoints highlight his competition against Hall of Famers like Bill Russell and his versatility (leading in assists as a center).
Critics of Wilt point to his 2-4 Finals record and perceptions of underachievement despite talent, while Jordan's winning pedigree (no Finals losses) sets him apart. Yet, older generations and some legends call Wilt the true GOAT or most athletic ever, emphasizing he'd thrive in any era. Ultimately, they don't "tie" in a literal sense—Jordan edges out in popular consensus for his rings and intangibles, but Chamberlain's case as the most statistically dominant player keeps him firmly in the top tier, often ranked 2nd or 3rd all-time. The debate hinges on criteria: individual dominance (favoring Wilt) vs. team success and legacy (favoring Jordan).
1959 Wilt Chamberlain Rookie Uniform
2026 for sale in February 28 by Heritage
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 garments 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 was graded A9 by MEARS, later upgraded to A10.
It will be sold by Heritage on February 28, 2026, lot 80125.
The Heritage description for the February 2026 lot 80125 provides the same photo-matched game list as the home uniform sold by SCP Auctions in May-June 2023 for $1.79 million , lot 1. The shorts are also included in the Heritage lot. Please describe the significance of the January-March 1960 period in Chamberlain's career.
The January–March 1960 period represents one of the most explosive and historically significant stretches of Wilt Chamberlain's legendary rookie season (1959–60) with the Philadelphia Warriors. This timeframe solidified his immediate dominance in the NBA, showcasing unprecedented statistical feats for a first-year player and helping cement his status as a transformative force in professional basketball.
Key highlights from this window include:
The significance ties directly to the jerseys in question. The SCP Auctions 1959–60 home uniform (sold for $1.79 million in May–June 2023, lot 1) — a full set including jersey and shorts — was photo-matched to several games across the season, with confirmed matches in January and February 1960 (e.g., January 5/19 and February 6 images, including a famous Neil Leifer photo from January 5 at Madison Square Garden). Since the Heritage Auctions February 2026 lot 80125 shares the same photo-matched game list and also includes the shorts, it represents the identical (or a directly comparable) iconic rookie home uniform from this peak dominance period. This era's games provide the visual and statistical provenance that elevates such items to elite status in collecting — rare, directly tied to Chamberlain's historic rookie breakout, heavy use evident in wear/bloodstains, and among the scarcest/most valuable vintage basketball artifacts.
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 garments 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 was graded A9 by MEARS, later upgraded to A10.
It will be sold by Heritage on February 28, 2026, lot 80125.
The Heritage description for the February 2026 lot 80125 provides the same photo-matched game list as the home uniform sold by SCP Auctions in May-June 2023 for $1.79 million , lot 1. The shorts are also included in the Heritage lot. Please describe the significance of the January-March 1960 period in Chamberlain's career.
The January–March 1960 period represents one of the most explosive and historically significant stretches of Wilt Chamberlain's legendary rookie season (1959–60) with the Philadelphia Warriors. This timeframe solidified his immediate dominance in the NBA, showcasing unprecedented statistical feats for a first-year player and helping cement his status as a transformative force in professional basketball.
Key highlights from this window include:
- January 1960 was particularly dominant, featuring multiple monster performances that shattered rookie records and drew massive attention. On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain scored 58 points (with 42 rebounds) against the Detroit Pistons — the highest single-game scoring output ever by an NBA rookie at that time (a mark he later tied himself). Other standout games included high-scoring, high-rebounding outings like 50+ points with 40+ rebounds in rare combinations, and consistent 40–50 point efforts. He also won the 1960 NBA All-Star Game MVP on January 22, delivering 23 points and 25 rebounds in the East's victory, further highlighting his rookie brilliance on a national stage.
- February 1960 continued the momentum with additional elite games, such as a 45-rebound performance (a rookie high at the time) and photo-documented moments of heavy wear on his uniform during intense matchups.
- March 1960 capped the regular season push, including playoff previews with a playoff-record 53 points in one game (March 14 vs. Syracuse Nationals), contributing to his team's postseason run.
The significance ties directly to the jerseys in question. The SCP Auctions 1959–60 home uniform (sold for $1.79 million in May–June 2023, lot 1) — a full set including jersey and shorts — was photo-matched to several games across the season, with confirmed matches in January and February 1960 (e.g., January 5/19 and February 6 images, including a famous Neil Leifer photo from January 5 at Madison Square Garden). Since the Heritage Auctions February 2026 lot 80125 shares the same photo-matched game list and also includes the shorts, it represents the identical (or a directly comparable) iconic rookie home uniform from this peak dominance period. This era's games provide the visual and statistical provenance that elevates such items to elite status in collecting — rare, directly tied to Chamberlain's historic rookie breakout, heavy use evident in wear/bloodstains, and among the scarcest/most valuable vintage basketball artifacts.
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 garments 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 was graded A9 by MEARS, later upgraded to A10.
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 garments 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 was graded A9 by MEARS, later upgraded to A10.
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
(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.
2008 Upper Deck Jordan-Bryant Dual Logoman
2025 SOLD for $ 13M by Heritage
Established in 1988, Upper Deck modernized the sport cards. In 1990, the player's autograph signature is added to some prestige UD series, in necessarily limited quantities. The first trading card autographed by Michael Jordan is a 1996 Upper Deck in the SPx series.
In 1997 the new impulse for special effects appeals their competitors including Fleer and the ephemeral Metal Universe. Upper Deck creates another goodies : the jersey fragment inlaid on the card.
The first series that displays pieces from a Jordan jersey in the Game Jersey edition of Upper Deck for the 1997-98 season, with a 1998 double copyright to the publisher and to the NBA.
This card is serialized out of a high figure of 23 which corresponds to the player's number but does not mean that this quantity has been entirely produced. Jersey and photos relate to a prestigious event, the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in which Jordan scored 18 points in 31 minutes of play.
The card 21/23, certified by PSA, was sold for $ 2.1M by Goldin on May 22, 2021, lot 3. It is graded 9 for the autograph and NM-MT 8 for the condition. Its game-worn patch relic is a tri-color piece.
In the 2002-2003 season, Upper Deck began to incorporate a guaranteed game worn NBA Logoman patch or a piece of jersey. They were made of a large jersey patch over a small photo of the player.
One of one serialized cards of the Ultimate Collection have in dedicated places the Logoman patch, the signature of the player and a photo of the player in action.
A 2003-2004 1 of 1 Ultimate referred as MJ-L of Michael Jordan in his former Chicago Bulls period was sold for $ 2.9M by Goldin on June 1, 2024, lot 2. The 1/1 serial number is manuscript. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
PSA has guaranteed its authenticity without grading it, which means that it has a major flaw. This case has become frequent due to the increased complexity of the make. The signature in blue ink is graded a perfect GEM MT 10 by PSA/DNA.
The 2009-10 National Treasures Steph Curry Logoman Autograph card is reputed to have been sold in 2021 for $ 5.9M in a private sale.
Upper Deck edited from 2004 in their Exquisite collection a Dual Logoman format with the NBA Logoman patch of two players and their autograph.
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are featured together in a unique example. It was issued for the season 2007-2008 and is copyrighted 2008. Jordan's patch is from the 1996-97 season. Both players appear in other pairings.
This 1/1 has been graded EX/MT 6 by PSA. It was sold for $ 13M from a lower estimate of $ 6M by Heritage on August 23, 2025, lot 80063.
Response by Grok :
Quote Heritage Auctions @HeritageAuction Aug 24
New record The only copy that will ever exist of an extraordinary card featuring images, NBA uniform logos, and signatures from two of the greatest players of all time broke the records for the highest price ever paid for a card Saturday in @Heritage_Sport Summer Platinum
In 1997 the new impulse for special effects appeals their competitors including Fleer and the ephemeral Metal Universe. Upper Deck creates another goodies : the jersey fragment inlaid on the card.
The first series that displays pieces from a Jordan jersey in the Game Jersey edition of Upper Deck for the 1997-98 season, with a 1998 double copyright to the publisher and to the NBA.
This card is serialized out of a high figure of 23 which corresponds to the player's number but does not mean that this quantity has been entirely produced. Jersey and photos relate to a prestigious event, the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in which Jordan scored 18 points in 31 minutes of play.
The card 21/23, certified by PSA, was sold for $ 2.1M by Goldin on May 22, 2021, lot 3. It is graded 9 for the autograph and NM-MT 8 for the condition. Its game-worn patch relic is a tri-color piece.
In the 2002-2003 season, Upper Deck began to incorporate a guaranteed game worn NBA Logoman patch or a piece of jersey. They were made of a large jersey patch over a small photo of the player.
One of one serialized cards of the Ultimate Collection have in dedicated places the Logoman patch, the signature of the player and a photo of the player in action.
A 2003-2004 1 of 1 Ultimate referred as MJ-L of Michael Jordan in his former Chicago Bulls period was sold for $ 2.9M by Goldin on June 1, 2024, lot 2. The 1/1 serial number is manuscript. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
PSA has guaranteed its authenticity without grading it, which means that it has a major flaw. This case has become frequent due to the increased complexity of the make. The signature in blue ink is graded a perfect GEM MT 10 by PSA/DNA.
The 2009-10 National Treasures Steph Curry Logoman Autograph card is reputed to have been sold in 2021 for $ 5.9M in a private sale.
Upper Deck edited from 2004 in their Exquisite collection a Dual Logoman format with the NBA Logoman patch of two players and their autograph.
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are featured together in a unique example. It was issued for the season 2007-2008 and is copyrighted 2008. Jordan's patch is from the 1996-97 season. Both players appear in other pairings.
This 1/1 has been graded EX/MT 6 by PSA. It was sold for $ 13M from a lower estimate of $ 6M by Heritage on August 23, 2025, lot 80063.
Response by Grok :
Quote Heritage Auctions @HeritageAuction Aug 24
New record The only copy that will ever exist of an extraordinary card featuring images, NBA uniform logos, and signatures from two of the greatest players of all time broke the records for the highest price ever paid for a card Saturday in @Heritage_Sport Summer Platinum
- The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman card, featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant's signatures and game-worn patches, sold for $12.932 million due to its 1-of-1 rarity, a value supported by a 2023 study from the Journal of Cultural Economics showing unique sports memorabilia can command prices 10-15 times higher than mass-produced items.
- This sale on August 24, 2025, at Heritage Auctions surpassed the $12.6 million record set by a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, reflecting a booming sports collectibles market fueled by investors like Kevin O'Leary, whose syndicate purchase aligns with a 2024 Deloitte report projecting a 12% annual growth in memorabilia value through 2030.
- The card's price challenges the traditional view of sports cards as mere nostalgia, suggesting a shift toward viewing them as alternative assets, a trend backed by a 2022 NBER study indicating collectibles now account for 3% of global alternative investment portfolios.
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.
