Incredible 1988 Los Angeles Lakers World Championship Team NBA Finals Game 7 Game-Used & Autographed Sneaker Lot

A Legendary Collection: The 1988 Showtime Lakers Championship Sneakers

An Unforgettable Legacy

In the annals of basketball history, few teams have captured the imagination and admiration of fans like the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers. The 1986-87 and 1987-88 seasons were a pinnacle of excellence, culminating in back-to-back NBA Championships. Now, a remarkable collection of game-worn NBA shoes from this era is available, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of this legendary team.

The Collection

This extraordinary lot consists of twelve pairs of sneakers from the personal collection of Mike Smrek, a member of the championship-winning Lakers. As recounted by Smrek, “In the locker room following the 1988 final game in which we won the second of the back-to-back Championships, each player signed and gave me their shoes.” These sneakers, worn during the championship game and throughout the series, are imbued with the spirit of victory and camaraderie.

• Magic Johnson: Converse “ERX-400” high tops, white with purple and yellow trim, signed in black marker, featuring champagne-stained laces.
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: White Adidas with purple trim, signed “Kareem” in blue ink, showcasing excellent game-use.
• Michael Cooper: White Asics high tops with purple and gold trim, right shoe signed and inscribed “To The Diesel.”
• James Worthy: White New Balance high tops, signed in black ink with champagne-stained laces.
• Byron Scott: Reebok high tops, signed in blue ink, appearing unworn in the game.
• AC Green: White Nike high tops, signed with the unique inscription “Cheese” Green.
• Mychal Thompson: LA Gear, signed in blue ink.
• Kurt Rambis: Asics high tops, signed in blue ink.
• Wes Matthews: White Converse, signed in blue ink.
• Milt Wagner: Nike high tops, signed in blue ink.
• Tony Campbell: Reebok high tops, signed and inscribed “88.”
• Mike Smrek: White Nike high tops, signed in black ink.

Historical Significance

The significance of this collection cannot be overstated. These sneakers are not merely footwear; they are relics of a bygone era, a testament to the prowess and dominance of the Lakers during their “Showtime” years. The champagne-stained laces and the signatures of basketball legends like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar add layers of authenticity and allure.

Presented to us as game-worn, these sneakers are accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from Mike Smrek and another from JSA, ensuring their provenance and historical value. This collection is a must-have for any serious collector of sports memorabilia, offering a tangible connection to one of the most celebrated teams in NBA history.

Why This Collection Matters

For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this collection represents an opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. The sneakers are not just artifacts; they are symbols of triumph, teamwork, and the indomitable spirit of the Lakers. As such, they hold an esteemed place in the world of basketball memorabilia auctions.

In acquiring these sneakers, one is not merely obtaining a collection of shoes but a fragment of the Lakers’ storied legacy. This is a chance to celebrate the achievements of a team that redefined excellence and left an indelible mark on the sport. For those interested in consigning their own pieces of history, Grey Flannel Auctions offers expert appraisals to ensure your items are valued appropriately.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.