Kobe Bryant’s Rookie Season Los Angeles Lakers NBA Jersey Sells for $2.73 Million

A Los Angeles Lakers NBA jersey worn by the late Kobe Bryant during his rookie season has sold for over $2.73 million at auction this past week. It bears significance as the only confirmed jersey he wore during the 1997 playoffs, which has been professionally photo-matched.

SCP Auctions, one of America’s largest auctioneers and private sellers of sports cards and memorabilia confirmed the sale, which closed at $2,735,546 million. Both the buyer and seller have requested anonymity, with the latter revealing they had the jersey in their possession for over 25 years. The number 8 jersey was worn by Bryant twice during his debut playoff run, which the Lakers lost to the Utah Jazz.

Last year, another rookie season, game-worn, and also autographed Bryant jersey sold at auction for over $3.67 million, setting a new record for most expensive basketball jersey ever.

Kobe Bryant memorabilia ranging from game-worn items to his signature sneakers with Nike (and formerly adidas) have been hotly contested on the secondary market since his tragic passing in early 2020. While his estate has renewed the relationship with the Swoosh, access to his product remains challenging. For more, read this exposition on why his shoes should be accessible to everyone.