This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2023
According to our consignor, "In 1998, Kobe Bryant starred in a Sprite commercial I executive-produced as part of his deal as an endorser of the Official Soft Drink of the NBA. That commercial was a remake that paid tribute to the famous basketball court scene in the seminal 1983 hip-hop film Wild Style, which celebrated its 15th anniversary the year the commercial was made. Kobe’s scene featured Tim Duncan, Missy Elliott, and hip-hop pioneers Grandmaster Caz and Prince Whipper Whip — both of whom were in the original 1983 production. The spot garnered much pop culture attention and the campaign is ranked #9 by Complex Magazine on their list of the 50 Greatest Rap Commercials."
Following production, Kobe signed this offered L.A. Lakers shooting shirt on-set for executive producer of the Sprite ad [our consignor]. The bulky gold home warm-up is tagged by Nike and comes in size XXL. Kobe has autographed the front "To Lamar, Best Wishes, Kobe 8" in black sharpie (8/10 strength and 9'10 eye appeal). The snap-button top and trim pattern around the collar, sleeves and tail matches the late 1990's style. The reverse is blank as were all of these generic team warm-ups/shooting shirts at that time. Based on the Nike tagging, it appears this was a store-bought Lakers warm-up/shooting shirt and not one issued to any particular player.
Includes LOA from PSA/DNA for the autograph and letter of provenance. Images posted of our consignor with Kobe as well as other Hip Hop stars of the era.