Kobe Bryant's Cherished Piece of Legacy Auctioned Off for a Fortune
Remember the monumental auction in 2020 that had sports enthusiasts and collectors buzzing? It was none other than the iconic Los Angeles Lakers jersey with the number 24, once draped over the legendary Kobe Bryant, that fetched a significant sum. According to reports from People magazine, this cherished item went under the hammer at SCP Auctions for an astounding 485,197 USD (approximately 450,000 EUR).
Twenty ambitious bidders partook in the auction, their sights set on the jersey, shorts, and shoes that Kobe Bryant sported in his final away game on April 11, 2016. The minimum bid set was a substantial 50,000 USD. The final tally revealed that the jersey and shorts combined sold for 366,967 USD, while the Nike "Kobe 11 Elite Low" shoes soared to 118,230 USD.
Why was this piece of memorabilia so alluring?
The auction house revealed an intriguing detail that added an even more significant dimension to the already valuable jersey. According to SCP Auctions, this jersey boasted an unusual feature – a microphone pocket in the waistband of the shorts, making it easier for Kobe to communicate during the game. This distinctive feature, which is more commonly found in the inseam near the armpit, was reportedly Bryant's preferred choice, making this item an even more captivating collector's piece.
Bryant, an unforgettable figure in sports history
Never forgetting the indomitable legacy of Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter accident in Calabasas, near Los Angeles, in January 2020, alongside his daughter, Gianna. Kobe had a commendable career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, spanning from 1996 to 2016. Despite his untimely demise, his influence and iconic status continue to resonate in the annals of sports history.
Additional Insights:
- Bryant's Staples Center locker was also auctioned off in 2020, setting a new record for the most expensive sports locker ever sold, fetching 2.9 million USD.
- In 2023, a signed jersey from Bryant's MVP season was sold at auction for over 5.8 million USD, making it the second most expensive basketball jersey ever sold.
