Kobe Bryant’s Game-Worn Jersey From 1997 NBA Playoffs Sells for $2.73 Million

A Kobe Bryant jersey from the Lakers’ 1997 playoff run was sold for peanuts at an auction this weekend. 2.73 Million peanuts to be exact.

The game-worn jersey, which a then-rookie Kobe wore twice during the Lakers’ conference semifinals series against the Utah Jazz, was sold at a SCP Auction. According to the Orange County Register, it’s the second-highest bid for any game-worn basketball jersey. 

“The overall auction brought extremely strong numbers and many record sales. The auction total went over $8 million, which is the second biggest auction in company history,” SCP President David Kohler told the outlet. “This incredible sale happened amidst stock market volatility and war overseas, too.”

During the 1997 NBA Playoffs, Kobe was just 18 years old as he averaged a mediocre 8.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. However, the then-rookie did notch a 22-point game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Round 1, followed by a 19-point effort versus the Jazz in the second round. It was the beginning of something very special for basketball fans.

Unfortunately, The Lakers would lose to the Jazz in five games that season. Three years later, Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal led the Lakers to their first of three consecutive champions. Bryant would retire with five rings, securing the Finals MVP award in both 2009 and 2010.