The journey began at Lower Merion High School for Kobe Bryant.
On Friday, Sotheby’s announced that one of Bryant’s game-used No. 33 jerseys was auctioned for a remarkable $2.2 million, establishing it as the most valuable high school jersey sold at auction to date.
“This Lower Merion jersey marks the inception of Kobe’s journey, prior to the championships, records, and the Mamba Mentality, when he was merely a young athlete putting in the hours to outshine everyone. This jersey signifies that every greatness has its origin, and this jersey witnessed it firsthand,” states Sotheby’s description.
Lakers icon Kobe Bryant’s high school basketball jersey achieved a historic sale. Anthony J. Causi
This isn’t the first instance of the jersey changing hands, as it previously sold in 2013 for $51,400.
The auction reported that 26 bids were made, with seven different bidders vying for the much-desired item.
The sale of Bryant’s jersey surpassed that of LeBron James’ St. Vincent-St. Mary jersey, which gained fame from the 2002 Sports Illustrated “The Chosen One” cover and was sold for $1.3 million in 2024.
Sotheby’s indicated that Bryant wore the jersey during his junior season, specifically during a March 1995 game against Hazleton, Pennsylvania Area.
Kobe Bryant dedicated his entire professional career to the Lakers. UPI
This jersey adds to the extensive collection of coveted memorabilia associated with Bryant. The highest valued item remains a dual-autograph card from Upper Deck, dated from the 2007-2008 season, featuring Bryant alongside Michael Jordan, which changed ownership for $12.6 million in August 2022.
Bryant’s Lower Merion jersey is unique as it’s the sole basketball uniform he donned that did not feature “Lakers” or “Los Angeles” on the front, since he declared for the NBA draft immediately after completing high school.
The 76ers honored Kobe Bryant by placing his high school jersey on the court at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on January 28, 2020. Getty Images
Kobe dedicated his entire 20-season tenure to Los Angeles and is celebrated not merely as one of the greatest Lakers but also one of the all-time best basketball players.
His illustrious career concluded with five NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, one league MVP title, and 18 selections as an All-Star.
In 2017, the Lakers made history by retiring both Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 jersey numbers, resulting in him being the only player in NBA history to have two numbers retired by a single franchise.
One year following his untimely passing in 2020, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
