The jersey that Kobe Bryant donned during his inaugural game with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 has fetched $7 million (£5.26 million) at auction.
This jersey, which Bryant wore throughout his rookie season in 1996-1997, is now recognized as the fourth most expensive game-worn sports jersey in history.
Throughout his career, Bryant remained with the Lakers, securing five NBA Championships and earning the title of Most Valuable Player in 2008. Initially sold for $115,242 in 2013, this jersey’s value has significantly increased, especially following the tragic passing of Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter accident.
Brahm Wachter, the head of modern collectibles at Sotheby’s, remarked, ‘Debut games are truly one-of-a-kind moments in an athlete’s career.’
The record for the most expensive match-worn sports memorabilia is held by Babe Ruth’s ‘called shot’ jersey, which sold for $24 million in August.
Following this is Michael Jordan’s ‘Last Dance’ jersey, which sold for $10.1 million, and Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ shirt, which went for $8.8 million during Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final win over England in 1986.
Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 3, 1996, concluding his rookie season as an all-star pick and achieving all-star status 18 times throughout his 20-year career.
He ranks fourth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, amassing a total of 33,643 points.
