Wilt Chamberlain's 1972 Finals jersey could fetch over $4M at auction
A jersey worn by Wilt Chamberlain during the 1972 NBA Finals could set a new record at auction.
The No. 13 Los Angeles Lakers jersey, worn by Chamberlain in the team's championship-clinching victory over the New York Knicks in Game 5, is expected to sell for more than $4 million in an upcoming Sotheby's auction, according to The Associated Press. It's considered the most valuable piece of Chamberlain memorabilia to ever hit the market.
Bidding on the jersey opens Aug. 28 and runs until Sept. 27.
Wilt Chamberlain’s jersey—worn as the @Lakers clinched their first ever title in Los Angeles—is headed to auction at #SothebysNewYork. Find out more: https://t.co/9wp9JFB75R pic.twitter.com/ma9ywVSoUK
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) August 2, 2023
"This jersey holds an extraordinarily significant place in the history of Los Angeles, not only adorned by the man many consider to be the greatest player ever to step on the court, but as a relic from one of the greatest franchises in sports history," said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's head of streetwear and modern collectibles.
The current record for a piece of Chamberlain memorabilia is $1.79 million, set in June with the sale of a jersey from his rookie season with the Philadelphia Warriors. That uniform also set a record for the most expensive vintage basketball game-worn item ever sold.
Chamberlain played with a broken hand in Game 5 of the 1972 Finals but still scored 24 points and 29 rebounds to win Finals MVP and help the Lakers take home their first championship after relocating to L.A.
Chamberlain died in 1999 at the age of 63.