Mamba legacy: Kobe Bryant's debut jersey sells for a historic price in an auction

A piece of basketball history commanded millions as Kobe Bryant's 1996 Lakers debut jersey sold for $7M at Sotheby's auction. Worn in his very first NBA game, the jersey from his iconic rookie season is now the fourth-most expensive game-worn sports jersey ever sold, highlighting the immense value placed on the Mamba's legendary career and the enduring appeal of unique sporting moments.

The specific jersey dates back to Bryant's 1996-1997 rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team he would famously represent for his entire 20-year career. It saw action during his official NBA debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 3, 1996. This sale marks a significant appreciation in value; the same jersey was previously auctioned in 2013 for $115,242, years before Bryant's untimely death in 2020.

Bryant's career remains one of the most celebrated in basketball history. He led the Lakers to five NBA Championships, was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2008, earned 18 All-Star selections, and finished his career ranked fourth on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 33,643 points.

Brahm Wachter, head of modern collectibles at Sotheby's, commented on the significance of such items, stating, "Debut games are truly one-of-a-kind moments in an athlete's career." While the $7 million price tag is substantial, placing it fourth overall for game-worn jerseys, it trails records set by items like Babe Ruth's "called shot" jersey ($24m), Michael Jordan's "Last Dance" jersey ($10.1m), and Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" shirt ($8.8m).

The successful auction underscores the powerful connection fans and collectors feel to Kobe Bryant's legacy, cementing this debut jersey not just as memorabilia, but as a tangible link to the start of an unforgettable journey in sports history.