LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 2: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers advances the ball on the dribble against the Washington Bullets during the NBA game on February 2, 1997 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE

Kobe rookie jersey sells for record $3.69M at auction

5 years ago

Andy Hayt / National Basketball Association / Getty

One of Kobe Bryant's game-worn jerseys from his rookie season broke multiple records at auction over the weekend.

The 1996-97 signed No. 8 Los Angeles Lakers jersey fetched $3.69 million through Goldin Auctions, making it the most expensive basketball jersey and most expensive Bryant item ever sold.

Final Sale Price: $3,690,000

An all-time record for any basketball jersey.
An all-time record for any Kobe Bryant item. pic.twitter.com/7VUnahOH2h
— Goldin Auctions (@GoldinAuctions) May 23, 2021

The previous record for a basketball jersey was set earlier this month by a Michael Jordan UNC jersey that sold for $1.38 million, according to Darren Rovell of Action Network.

Bryant's jersey was photo-matched to seven games and a Sept. 20, 1996, photoshoot, which Goldin believes could make it one of the first Lakers jerseys he ever wore.

Bryant appeared in 71 games as a rookie, averaging 7.6 points and 1.3 assists.