Kobe Bryant jersey expected to fetch millions at auction

A video game-worn Kobe Bryant jersey is on the auction block and could fetch as considerably as $5 million, in accordance to a report from TMZ.

The variety 8 jersey is from the late Lakers superstar’s 1996-97 period, which was Bryant’s rookie year. He reportedly wore the jersey for 5 online games amongst April and May possibly, such as two playoff video games.

The Lakers ended up 56-26 that calendar year, the initial that paired Bryant with Shaquille O’Neal, and they went on to reach the Western Conference semifinals, in advance of falling to the Jazz in five online games.

Per TMZ, specialists at SCP Auctions, which is dealing with the sale, reported it’s the only jersey to be photograph-matched from Bryant’s rookie period, which will make it a uncommon piece.

As for the jersey itself, it is basic Lakers gold with purple lettering and trim. It also has two patches at the bottom, like Bryant’s measurement, a 44.

Kobe Bryant drives to the basket versus the Jazz all through their 1997 playoff collection.

NBAE by means of Getty Images

Kobe Bryant poses outside the house the Excellent Western Discussion board in 1997.

NBAE by using Getty Photographs

Bryant spent 20 decades in the NBA prior to retiring in 2016 after five NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. He was tragically killed, together with eight others, such as his daughter Gianna, in a helicopter crash outside the house Los Angeles in January 2020.

The auction will conclude on June 4.

Kobe Bryant jersey expected to fetch millions at auction