Kobe Bryant's First No. 24 Jersey Sells for $889K at Sotheby's Auction

Kobe Bryant's first No. 24 Lakers jersey recently sold for $889,000 at Sotheby's, highlighting the enduring value and reverence for his memorabilia among collectors. This jersey, worn during a November 3, 2006 game where Bryant scored 23 points against the Seattle Supersonics, marks a pivotal moment as it represented the beginning of a dominant season culminating in his second consecutive scoring title. Authentication includes Bryant's signature with inscriptions "FIRST 24" and "1/1," an Upper Deck hologram, and photo-matching to the Lakers’ 2006 media day, ensuring its legitimacy amid a market rife with counterfeits. While the $889,000 sale is impressive, it is overshadowed by a record $7 million sale earlier this year for Bryant's 1996-97 rookie jersey, which carries a premium unmatched by later-career items. The auction also featured significant Lakers history with Jerry West's 1960s game-worn jersey fetching $533,400, underscoring the high demand for memorabilia linked to NBA legends. These sales reflect both the cultural and monetary value placed on tangible connections to basketball's most iconic figures.