Kobe Bryant's jersey and shoes from his last road game with the Los Angeles Lakers were recently sold at an online auction for a record-breaking $485,331. This makes them the most expensive Kobe Bryant items ever sold. These iconic items hold great significance as they represent the greatness and impact of the Black Mamba, and they are cherished by fans and admirers worldwide.
The purple and gold jersey with Bryant’s name and number 24 on the back was worn by the five-time NBA champion on April 11, 2016, during his final away game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Bryant scored 13 points in 19 minutes of play in a 112-79 loss to the Thunder.
Kobe Bryant's last game jersey is sold for $485,331.
SCP Auctions photo-matched the jersey to the game, describing it as "one of the most historically significant and desirable Kobe Bryant jerseys ever to surface." The jersey also features a black band on the left shoulder, which was worn by Lakers players that season in honor of their former owner, Jerry Buss, who passed away in 2013.
The jersey was anticipated to fetch a minimum of $500,000, as indicated by SCP Auctions, but it fell short of that mark by $14,669. Nevertheless, it still exceeded the previous record for a Kobe Bryant item sold at auction, which was $337,334 for his 2000 NBA Finals jersey.
The sneakers that Bryant wore in the same game were also auctioned for $98,525. These are a pair of Nike Kobe 11 Elite Low sneakers, featuring Bryant’s signature on the right shoe and his initials “KB” on the left shoe.
The shoes also include a unique inscription on the heel, displaying "4.13.16", marking the date of Bryant’s last NBA game, during which he scored 60 points against the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. SCP Auctions photo-matched the shoes to the game, describing them as "a fitting tribute to the Black Mamba’s incredible career".
During his entire 20-year NBA career with the Lakers, Bryant is widely recognized as one of the greatest players of all time. His achievements include five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, one NBA MVP award, 18 All-Star selections, two scoring titles, and four All-Star Game MVP awards. Furthermore, he ranks as the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points.
Kobe Bryant sadly passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.
In addition, he sadly passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. At the time of his passing, he was 41 years old. His untimely death profoundly impacted the world and prompted an overwhelming wave of tributes and condolences from fans, celebrities, and fellow athletes.
In 2020, following his passing, Bryant was posthumously enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and his wife, Vanessa Bryant, delivered a poignant speech on his behalf. Additionally, the NBA paid tribute to him by renaming the All-Star Game MVP award in his honor.
The jersey and shoes worn by Bryant in his last away game are not only valuable collectibles but also invaluable memorabilia that encapsulate the essence of his legendary career and legacy. They serve as a lasting reminder of the greatness, passion, and inspiration that Kobe Bryant brought to the world of basketball and beyond.
