1996-97 Kobe Bryant Rookie Los Angeles Lakers Game-Used & Autographed Road Jersey

Kobe Bryant’s Iconic Game-Used Jersey: A Tribute to Greatness

A Rare Piece of Basketball History

In the realm of basketball memorabilia, few items hold the allure and significance of a game-used jersey from one of the sport’s most legendary figures, Kobe Bryant. This particular jersey, a relic from the 1995-96 NBA season, is a testament to Bryant’s early years with the Los Angeles Lakers and his meteoric rise to basketball immortality.

The jersey features a “Champion” size “46” manufacturer’s tag with washing instructions, accompanied by a distributor’s tag that reads, “DESIGNED & TAILORED 95-96 EXCLUSIVELY FOR LOS ANGELES LAKERS BODY LENGTH +4”. Notably, this jersey is a carryover from the previous year’s stock, as evidenced by the purple and gold “NBA” logo on the left chest. A patch commemorating the NBA’s 50th anniversary covers the original red, white, and blue logo, a detail captured in period imagery of Bryant on the court.

Design and Authenticity

Across the chest, the jersey proudly displays “LAKERS,” while the back bears the name “BRYANT,” both rendered in yellow on white tackle twill. The player number “8” is prominently featured on both the front and back in white on yellow tackle twill, seamlessly integrated into the purple mesh fabric. Bryant’s autograph graces the front player number, executed in black pen and rated an impressive 8-9 overall.

This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows excellent use. Accompanied by an LOA from JSA and D.C. Sports, this piece is part of a family-owned collection of some of the best Kobe Bryant memorabilia ever publicly auctioned. Every item is hobby fresh, offering collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of basketball history.

Kobe Bryant: A Legacy of Excellence

• Five-time NBA Champion
• Two-time NBA Finals MVP
• Regular Season MVP
• 18 Consecutive All-Star Game Appearances
• 15 All-NBA Team Selections
• Nine NBA All-Defensive First Team Honors
• Two-time Scoring Champion

Bryant’s legacy is one of unparalleled achievement and relentless determination. As the Los Angeles Lakers’ all-time leading scorer, he ranks third on both the league’s all-time regular season and postseason scoring lists. His ability to channel a “killer instinct” akin to Michael Jordan’s set him apart as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

A Timely Tribute

The timing of this auction could not be more perfect, coinciding with the basketball world’s recent celebration of Bryant’s final farewell season in the NBA. Grey Flannel Auctions is honored to offer this lot of the soon-to-be Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee to our bidders. For those looking to consign NBA jerseys or explore more appraisals of sports memorabilia, this auction represents a unique opportunity to engage with the legacy of a true basketball icon.

Explore our sports memorabilia auctions and discover the stories behind each piece, as we continue to celebrate the legends of the game and the moments that define their careers.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.