Sotheby’s is going to auction off a Kobe Bryant jersey that he wore in a game and signed. Estimates say it could bring as much as $7 million.
The jersey is said to have been worn for 25 games during the 2007-2008 season, including the night when the Lakers legend was presented with the only MVP trophy of his career. The gold Lakers jersey will be available for auction from February 2 to February 9, with the listing putting its estimated value between $5-7 million.
According to Brahm Wachter, the head of Sotheby’s streetwear and modern collectibles, the jersey is tied to one of the most iconic moments of Kobe’s career. He cites game 2 of the Western Conference first round where Kobe sent a three-pointer and did a celebration that was captured in a famous image. The image has taken on a life of its own, with murals featuring it all over the world.
The jersey shows extensive signs of wear and tear, but Wachter insists that this has made it even more valuable, as many NBA jerseys aren’t worn more than twice. The jersey was in very intimate contact with Bryant’s body at least 25 times. The Lakers would reach the NBA finals in the 2007-2008 season, but they lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. However, Kobe and the Lakers went on to win consecutive NBA championships in the two seasons that followed.
The auction of Kobe Bryant’s game-worn jersey is a rare opportunity for fans and collectors to own a piece of history. The iconic imagery of that moment, the association with one of the greatest players of all time, and the fact that it was worn for 25 games make this jersey a valuable and unique piece of memorabilia.
