This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
Featured here is an awesome pair of Kobe Bryant game-worn sneakers from the Los Angeles Lakers' January 13, 2015 home game vs. the Miami Heat. Each shoe is signed and inscribed by Kobe and sourced directly from Panini Authentic as part of their exclusive contract with "The Black Mamba." Kobe scored 12 points with 7 assists and 6 rebounds on this night as the Lakers fell 78-75 to the Heat at Staples Center. Injuries have begun to take their toll on Kobe in his latter years due to all the heavy mileage he has put on his body since debuting as an 18-year-old in 1996. He played only two more games before tearing the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2014-15 season. Kobe averaged 22.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 35 games at age 36. He has decided to hang up his shoes for good at the end of this season, taking a much celebrated farewell tour around NBA arenas to give fans their last chance to pay respects to a true basketball legend.
These flashy Nike "Kobe IX Elite" model shoes come in a stylish Lakers-themed color pattern on the exterior with a purple Swoosh, black midsoles and yellow base. The lightweight, high-top design is similar to a wrestling shoe--tall, thin, and flexible at the ankle. The interior tagging shows his size 14 along with "SEASON H014" and "PROMO SAMPLE" confirming that they were player-issued and not for public consumption. Unique black insoles are custom-fitted inside to provide additional support for Kobe's feet. (He tore his Achilles tendon at the end of the 2012-2013 season, which wiped out most of 2013-14 as well.) The tongues have Kobe's unique Nike gear logo in purple and his facsimile signature stamped in black. Nine red stripes appear horizontally on the heels with "KB ninTH" in yellow just above. The shoes come with their original white laces and show appropriate game use with visible heel drag. Kobe has autographed both shoes on the outer heel in shiny 10/10 silver felt tip pen. He has inscribed the "1-13-15" date of the game on each Nike Swoosh in the same bold silver. Game images clearly show him wearing these shoes. They come in their original Panini Authentic black box. What a stunning pair of Kobe gamers for the ultimate basketball collector!
Includes hologrammed COA (PA32698) from Panini Authentic, Kobe's exclusive memorabilia provider.
Each shoe comes with full LOA from PSA/DNA.