1996-97 Kobe Bryant LA Lakers Rookie Game-Used Home Uniform

Kobe Bryant’s 1996-97 Los Angeles Lakers Game-Worn Uniform

A Legendary Career Begins

As a rookie, the illustrious Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant quickly established himself as a high-flyer, captivating fans with his electrifying performance in the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest. This was just the beginning of an extraordinary career that saw Bryant lead the Los Angeles Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. His prowess on the court earned him the regular season MVP award in 2008. Despite a setback in the 2008 NBA Finals, Bryant’s resilience shone through as he led the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, securing the NBA Finals MVP Award on both occasions.

The Iconic Lakers Uniform

This remarkable piece of basketball memorabilia is a testament to Kobe Bryant’s early years with the Lakers. The uniform features the Champion manufacturer’s tag, size “44”, with washing instructions on the front left tail. Adjacent to it is the “DESIGNED & TAILORED 96/97 EXCLUSIVELY FOR LOS ANGELES LAKERS BODY LENGTH +3” tag. Across the chest, the jersey proudly displays “LAKERS”, with the player number “8” below and on the back, accompanied by the player name “BRYANT”. All numbering and lettering are crafted in purple on white tackle twill, with the official “NBA” logo embroidered in gold on the upper left chest.

Completing the Ensemble

Accompanying the jersey is a pair of shorts, size “38”, featuring the “Designed & Tailored Exclusively” tag. The player number “8” and “KB” are handwritten in black marker, adding a personal touch to this iconic ensemble. A Bryant signature graces both the jersey and shorts in black marker, although JSA was unable to authenticate it. This uniform is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used, and in our opinion, shows appropriate use.

Why This Uniform Matters

• Historical Significance: Represents the early career of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
• Iconic Player: Kobe Bryant, the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history and named the top NBA player of the 2000s by Sporting News.
• Unique Provenance: A game-worn uniform from Bryant’s rookie season, marking the beginning of his legendary journey.
• Condition and Story: Properly tagged and presented as game-used, this uniform tells the story of Bryant’s rise to greatness.

A Legacy Beyond the Court

Kobe Bryant’s influence extends far beyond his playing days. His legacy is immortalized not only in his achievements on the court but also in the hearts of fans worldwide. This uniform is not just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of Bryant’s enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game of basketball. For those interested in acquiring a piece of this history, explore our sports memorabilia auctions and discover more about our consignment opportunities for your own treasured items.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.