Kobe Bryant’s Rookie Season Jersey Up For Auction, Anticipated To Break Record

Kobe Bryant’s Rookie Season Jersey Up For Auction, Anticipated To Break Record

Could the Mamba posthumously set another NBA-related record?

The jersey Kobe Bryant wore during his rookie season (1996-1997) is up for auction beginning this Monday (May 3rd), and it’s expected to rack in some serious dough! Ken Goldin of Goldin Auctions mentioned to TMZ Sports that Kobe Bryant‘s debut Laker’s jersey could break the record for the most expensive regular season NBA jersey.

Kobe Bryant’s 96-97 Rookie Season Jersey

Currently, this record is held by Michael Jordan‘s 2003 Wizard’s jersey that he wore during his final NBA game. Michael Jordan‘s jersey sold for a whopping $570,000. Goldin Auctions anticipates that the Mamba’s debut jersey may sell for even more!

However, Kobe Bryant‘s rookie jersey isn’t the only piece of Mamba memorabilia that Goldin Auctions has to offer. Individuals affiliated with Goldin Auctions claim the New Jersey-based sports auction house has over $300,000 worth of rare items associated with Kobe Bryant.

While such items have long been coveted by Lakers and Mamba fans, Kobe Bryant‘s tragic and unexpected death has presumably increased the public’s interest in Mamba memorabilia. Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on January 26th, 2020 in Calabasas. He and eight others lost their lives due to the accident, including his daughter Gianna Bryant, who was 13.

The Mamba is survived by his wife Vanessa Bryant and their three additional daughters: Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

Bidding on Kobe Bryant‘s jersey is set to take place from May 3rd to May 23rd.

What are your thoughts on Kobe Bryant’s rookie jersey being up for auction, possibly setting a new record? Comment down below to let us know!

Authored by: Nick Fenley