In a riveting auction that stirred the hearts of basketball enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors alike, Kobe Bryant’s last Los Angeles Lakers jersey and shorts, worn during his final road game on April 11, 2016, sold for a staggering $366,967. Hosted by SCP Auctions, the bidding witnessed fierce competition as twenty enthusiasts vied for the cherished “24” jersey and matching shorts, setting the minimum bid at $50,000.
What sets this uniform apart is not just its iconic significance, but also a unique feature that amplifies its allure—a microphone pouch discreetly nestled inside the front waistband. This pouch allowed Kobe to be mic’d up during games, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail in the customization of his game-worn attire. The jersey, sized 4XL4, and the 3XL shorts, both impeccably preserved, were part of the Lakers legend’s farewell season, linked to nine additional games through meticulous resolution matching.
Adding to the ensemble, the Nike “Kobe 11 Elite Low” tennis shoes that graced Bryant’s feet during his final game were also part of the auction, fetching an impressive $118,230. In a harmonious combination, the two lots, comprising the full uniform, garnered a combined total of $485,197.
SCP Auctions highlighted the pristine condition of these artifacts, noting that they have been perfectly preserved since the moment Bryant last suited up. The significance of the game cannot be overstated, as it marked the culmination of an illustrious career for Bryant, who played his entire NBA journey with the Lakers. His final away game in Oklahoma City, although resulting in a loss for the Lakers, saw Bryant scoring 19 points and bidding farewell to the court in memorable fashion.
While this auction showcased the fervor surrounding Bryant’s farewell artifacts, SCP Auctions acknowledged the slim likelihood of other pieces from the historic ‘Mamba Out’ game ever surfacing in the public domain, speculating that these museum-worthy relics may remain within the Bryant family or find a home in Springfield, Massachusetts, honoring the legacy of one of basketball’s greatest icons.
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