At the beginning of the 2001-02 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers were the two-time defending champions... at the end, they were an NBA dynasty! The daunting challenge of winning three titles in a row was put to the test in a grueling, seven-game Western Conference title series against the Sacramento Kings that found the Lakers on the brink of elimination. Led by perennial All-Stars Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, they went on to sweep the New Jersey Nets in the 2002 NBA Finals and forever put their stamp on history.
Presented here is a tremendous pair of Kobe Bryant’s game-worn Adidas 'THE KOBE' model shoes. These size 14 sneakers have appropriate player sample tagging on the interior with a "08/00" manufacturing date. Kobe signed each shoe on the outer heel in gold marker which contrasts faintly against the black material. These Kobe 1's (also called the "Crazy 1") display evident game wear and are structurally sound, coming essentially as-issued. Kobe wore this all black colorway style frequently, including games in both the 2000 and 2001 NBA Finals. Our consignor acquired them directly from Kobe after a game.
As most sneakerphiles already know, Kobe began his storied career with Adidas, signing with them directly out of high school in 1996. He remained with Adidas until the summer of 2002, then went a year without a shoe deal after breaking his contract, before eventually signing with Nike in the summer of 2003.
Autographs pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
Provenance: This lot originates from a gentleman who has enjoyed a long and successful career in Hollywood as an agent for many well-known athletes and entertainers. His professional and personal network enabled him to amass a significant collection of memorabilia, nearly all of which was given to him directly from the athletes and entertainers themselves. All of these items are being introduced to the marketplace here for the first time. While our consignor remains anonymous, SCP Auctions will issue an LOA for each game used item attesting to its player-direct provenance.