This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
After a rookie campaign of mostly getting his 18-year-old feet wet, Kobe Bryant earned more minutes as an NBA sophomore and started to showcase his other-worldly talent. He averaged 15.4 points in 1997-98 for a 61-21 Los Angeles Lakers squad that was just on the brim of a championship run, but still could not quite get past the old guard in Utah of Stockton and Malone. Featured here is Kobe's game worn Lakers warm-up suit from that season.
The lovely gold jacket with purple and white trim has the Lakers logo and Nike Swoosh on left chest and NBA logo on right. "BRYANT" stitched across back. Nike manufacturer’s tagging inside collar has all the appropriate labels: “NBA Authentics - Nike Team Sports - Size 2XL - Length +4". Inside left seam is “Nike 1997-98" tag and washing instructions. “BRYANT” is sewn directly on the 100% polyester jacket in purple on white lettering. Kobe has signed just below his NOB in 7/10 black marker. The matching gold pants have purple and white piping down sides with the NBA logo on right thigh and Nike logo on opposite side. On the rear inside waistband is a NIKE size “XL” manufacturer’s tag. On this tag, the player number “8” is marked faintly in black pen (likely by equipment manager). Attached is a “LENGTH + 6” flag tag, a materials tag with washing instructions, and a Nike “1997-98” year tag. Overall, the warm-up suit exhibits appropriate wear and matches the style Kobe was wearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Special Retirement issue in June 2016. It very well could be a photo-match!
Full LOA from JSA. Certified by PSA/DNA (B17994). COA from D.C. Sports Collectibles (established Lakers dealer).