A jersey worn by Kobe Bryant during his 1996-97 rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers has sold for $7 million at Sotheby’s in New York, setting a new record for a Bryant collectible. The jersey was photo-matched to seven games, including his preseason debut on October 16 and regular-season debut on November 3, as well as NBA media day.
This sale makes the jersey the fourth-most expensive game-worn sports jersey ever sold, ranking behind Babe Ruth’s $24 million “called shot” jersey, Michael Jordan’s $10.1 million 1998 NBA Finals jersey, and Diego Maradona’s $9.3 million 1986 World Cup shirt.
Sotheby’s emphasized the significance of debut game memorabilia, especially from iconic athletes like Bryant. The previous record for a Bryant jersey was $5.85 million for his signed, game-worn 2007-08 MVP season jersey.
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, died in a tragic helicopter crash in January 2020 at the age of 41, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.
