Kobe Bryant continues to generate passion, something that is also reflected in how much NBA fans are willing to pay for his jerseys. The latest one auctioned fetched an impressive $889,000, according to ESPN.
The jersey in question was the first No. 24 worn by the “Black Mamba” with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The late legend, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2020, wore it during a 118–112 victory over Steve Nash’s Phoenix Suns in 2006, a game in which Bryant scored 23 points.
That 2006–2007 season in particular—just before Pau Gasol’s arrival—saw Kobe score 50 points or more in 10 different games.
Earlier in 2006, he also delivered one of the most iconic performances in NBA history: his 81-point masterpiece against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest scoring game ever, only behind Wilt Chamberlain’s unassailable 100.
Despite the nearly $1 million price tag, this jersey remains well below the record for a Bryant item. In April, one of his rookie-season jerseys from 1996–1997 sold for $7 million, making it the most expensive piece of Kobe memorabilia ever.
Interestingly, both sales were handled by Sotheby’s.
