A game-worn jersey from Kobe Bryant's rookie season in 1996-97, featuring photo matches to seven significant games, including his debut in the preseason and regular season, sold for a staggering $7 million at Sotheby's. This price tag surpassed the previous record for any Bryant memorabilia, showcasing the immense value fans place on iconic moments in sports history. Bryant may have had a quiet start on the court during his NBA debut, going 0-1 from the field, but he quickly blossomed into a superstar, earning All-Star honors and coming close to winning the Sixth Man of the Year award the following season with impressive stats.
Sotheby's has solidified its reputation as a leader in brokering high-value sports memorabilia sales, with the top five most expensive game-worn NBA jerseys all passing through their hands. Notable sales include Michael Jordan's legendary "Last Dance" jersey at $10.1 million and a significant jersey worn by Wilt Chamberlain during the Lakers' first title run in 1972, sold for $4.9 million. The remarkable demand for these iconic pieces of basketball history highlights the enduring impact and allure of legendary players like Bryant and their milestone moments that capture the hearts of sports fans worldwide.