Kobe BRYANT (1978-2020)
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Sport Basketball Sport equipment Sport rewards
Chronology : 2008
See also : Sport Basketball Sport equipment Sport rewards
Chronology : 2008
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.
1996-1997 Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie Card
2021 SOLD for $ 1.8M by Goldin
Trading cards were pieces of thin cardboard printed in color. To satisfy elite collectors, publishers have created parallel cards by adding goodies to their base series. The response was favorable and most of current parallel cards are serialized, up to the highly tempting One Of One.
The big step forward was technological. In 1993 Topps incorporates metal into the cardboard. The Topps Finest Baseball series is thus accompanied by a parallel with a chrome plating of the circular frame around the photo. The publisher registers the protected name Refractor to describe this novelty.
Basketball competes with baseball. The first Topps Chrome Refractors series is released in 1996, without serialization. Luckily, it includes Kobe Bryant's rookie card. The metallic frame of the image has become rectangular. It is thus better visible and perhaps also less fragile. Later Topps will introduce color Refractors.
BGS and PSA grade these items in a base scale which is similar. However, BGS goes further by recording on the carrier labels their rating on four criteria : Centering, Corners, Edges and Surface. This allows them to award a higher top end than the mere Gem Mint, the Black Label, for cards rated 10 for all four criteria.
A 1996-1997 Kobe Bryant's Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card rated Pristine Black Label 10 by BGS was sold for $ 1.8M by Goldin on March 6, 2021, lot 1.
A card graded Pristine 10 by BGS which lacks a half point in centering to obtain the Black Label was sold for $ 520K by Heritage on February 27, 2021, lot 80052. A card graded Gem MT 10 by PSA was sold for $ 450K by Goldin on January 31, 2021.
The big step forward was technological. In 1993 Topps incorporates metal into the cardboard. The Topps Finest Baseball series is thus accompanied by a parallel with a chrome plating of the circular frame around the photo. The publisher registers the protected name Refractor to describe this novelty.
Basketball competes with baseball. The first Topps Chrome Refractors series is released in 1996, without serialization. Luckily, it includes Kobe Bryant's rookie card. The metallic frame of the image has become rectangular. It is thus better visible and perhaps also less fragile. Later Topps will introduce color Refractors.
BGS and PSA grade these items in a base scale which is similar. However, BGS goes further by recording on the carrier labels their rating on four criteria : Centering, Corners, Edges and Surface. This allows them to award a higher top end than the mere Gem Mint, the Black Label, for cards rated 10 for all four criteria.
A 1996-1997 Kobe Bryant's Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card rated Pristine Black Label 10 by BGS was sold for $ 1.8M by Goldin on March 6, 2021, lot 1.
A card graded Pristine 10 by BGS which lacks a half point in centering to obtain the Black Label was sold for $ 520K by Heritage on February 27, 2021, lot 80052. A card graded Gem MT 10 by PSA was sold for $ 450K by Goldin on January 31, 2021.
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.
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.
1997 Home Jersey
2022 SOLD for $ 2.74M by SCP
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.
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.
2000 NBA Replica Ring
2024 SOLD for $ 930K by Goldin
In 2000 the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship, the very first of such events won by Kobe Bryant.
The very proud Bryant had an exact copy of his NBA ring executed for presentation to his father.
The 14K gold jewel is set with a total of 40 diamonds and is inscribed WORLD / LAKERS / CHAMPIONS on the face. One side features the NBA logo and the name and number 8 of the player along with the marks of the club wins in the season. A diamond as a basketball falling in a basket is featured along with the date 2000 on the other side, also inscribed BLING BLING.
This replica was sold for $ 930K by Goldin on March 31, 2024, lot 3.
The very proud Bryant had an exact copy of his NBA ring executed for presentation to his father.
The 14K gold jewel is set with a total of 40 diamonds and is inscribed WORLD / LAKERS / CHAMPIONS on the face. One side features the NBA logo and the name and number 8 of the player along with the marks of the club wins in the season. A diamond as a basketball falling in a basket is featured along with the date 2000 on the other side, also inscribed BLING BLING.
This replica was sold for $ 930K by Goldin on March 31, 2024, lot 3.
2004 Lakers Locker
2024 SOLD for $ 2.9M by Sotheby's
Opened in 1999 and renamed crypto.com arena in 2021, the Staples Center is the home of the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant made his whole career with that club, from 1996 to 2016.
The champion used for his home games in the second part of his career a locker identified by a nameplate in white lettering on purple. The piece of furniture in wood and metal 2.50 m high has been photo-matched by MeiGray with eleven images from 2004 to 2016, including a showering of champagne on him after his final game. The nameplate has been authenticated by Sports Investors Authentication.
It was sold for $ 2.9M from a lower estimate of $ 1M by Sotheby's on August 2, 2024, lot 1. A portion of the proceeds was to benefit the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation.
The champion used for his home games in the second part of his career a locker identified by a nameplate in white lettering on purple. The piece of furniture in wood and metal 2.50 m high has been photo-matched by MeiGray with eleven images from 2004 to 2016, including a showering of champagne on him after his final game. The nameplate has been authenticated by Sports Investors Authentication.
It was sold for $ 2.9M from a lower estimate of $ 1M by Sotheby's on August 2, 2024, lot 1. A portion of the proceeds was to benefit the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation.
(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.
2009 NBA Finals Home Jersey
2024 SOLD for $ 1.75M by Sotheby's
Kobe Bryant became the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers after his teammate and personal feud Shaq O'Neal was transferred from the club in 2004. In 2006 he scored 81 points in a single game, the second highest figure in NBA after Wilt Chamberlain's famous 100 points.
The Lakers had not won an NBA final since 2002 when Shaq had been elected as the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive year.
In 2009 the Lakers enter the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic. Kobe feels a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. Despite a 100-75 win in Los Angeles in the first game including 40 points by him plus 8 rebounds and 8 assists, the highly sensitive Kobe is not happy with that result far below his desire to demonstrate his new Mamba Mentality ethic.
The Lakers win the series 4-1 with Kobe elected the NBA Finals MVP for the first time in his career. Kobe was then able to relax.
Kobe Bryant's game worn home jersey number 24 from Game 1 of the 2009 NBA finals was sold for $ 1.75M by Sotheby's on April 10, 2024, lot 1. It has been photo-matched by MeiGray.
The Lakers had not won an NBA final since 2002 when Shaq had been elected as the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive year.
In 2009 the Lakers enter the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic. Kobe feels a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. Despite a 100-75 win in Los Angeles in the first game including 40 points by him plus 8 rebounds and 8 assists, the highly sensitive Kobe is not happy with that result far below his desire to demonstrate his new Mamba Mentality ethic.
The Lakers win the series 4-1 with Kobe elected the NBA Finals MVP for the first time in his career. Kobe was then able to relax.
Kobe Bryant's game worn home jersey number 24 from Game 1 of the 2009 NBA finals was sold for $ 1.75M by Sotheby's on April 10, 2024, lot 1. It has been photo-matched by MeiGray.
2009 Upper Deck James Bryant Double Logoman Card
2025 SOLD for $ 1.16M by Goldin
In their 1/1 releases, Upper Deck went further to the Logoman card, with the dual NBA Logoman cards featuring two champions side by side.
An example linked to their Exquisite Collection features LeBron James on left side and Kobe Bryant on right side. It was released for the 2009-2010 season with a 2009 copyright. The portrait is limited to the head by the place for the signature. LeBron is in action while Kobe is smiling.
This unique card is graded EX-MT+ 6.5 by PSA and AUTO 9 by PSA/DNA. It was sold for $ 1.16M by Goldin on June 15, 2025, lot 1.
An example linked to their Exquisite Collection features LeBron James on left side and Kobe Bryant on right side. It was released for the 2009-2010 season with a 2009 copyright. The portrait is limited to the head by the place for the signature. LeBron is in action while Kobe is smiling.
This unique card is graded EX-MT+ 6.5 by PSA and AUTO 9 by PSA/DNA. It was sold for $ 1.16M by Goldin on June 15, 2025, lot 1.
2013 Home Jersey
2024 SOLD for $ 1.22M by Goldin
April 2013 was a busy time for Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers had hired Dwight Howard in the previous August and Bryant correctly felt being challenged in his position as captain. A qualification for the NBA playoffs was a must for Bryant's career.
The 34 years old Bryant had severely sprained his left ankle in March in Atlanta and missed two games. He was also bothered by a bone spur at the same foot. Afterwards the Lakers temporarily lost two other key players for injuries and Bryant began playing almost all 48 minutes each game. On April 10 he scored 47 points against Portland.
On April 12 the Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 118-116 of which 34 points were scored by Bryant despite injuring both knees in collisions in the third quarter. Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon of the left foot with 3 minutes left in the last quarter. He did not leave despite a limp and was able to even the score at 109-109 but that wound sidelined him until November.
A Lakers 24 road jersey of Kobe Bryant has been photo-matched by MeiGray to the April 12 game. It has been signed by Bryant. It was sold for $ 1.22M by Goldin on June 1, 2024, lot 3. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 34 years old Bryant had severely sprained his left ankle in March in Atlanta and missed two games. He was also bothered by a bone spur at the same foot. Afterwards the Lakers temporarily lost two other key players for injuries and Bryant began playing almost all 48 minutes each game. On April 10 he scored 47 points against Portland.
On April 12 the Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 118-116 of which 34 points were scored by Bryant despite injuring both knees in collisions in the third quarter. Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon of the left foot with 3 minutes left in the last quarter. He did not leave despite a limp and was able to even the score at 109-109 but that wound sidelined him until November.
A Lakers 24 road jersey of Kobe Bryant has been photo-matched by MeiGray to the April 12 game. It has been signed by Bryant. It was sold for $ 1.22M by Goldin on June 1, 2024, lot 3. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
