Kobe Bryant jersey sells for $5 million
It's been three years since the passing of Kobe Bryant, and it appears that demand for memorabilia associated with him has not abated as a jersey he wore has just fetched $5.8 million at a Sotheby's auction. Based on current exchange rates, that amounts to P316,497,300.
Agence France-Presse reports that the Lakers jersey was provided by an anonymous owner. The jersey was one worn by Kobe during the 2007-2008 season, the only season where Kobe played as the NBA's Most Valuable Player.
While the jersey did not reach the high $7 million pre-estimate, it did set a new record price for a Kobe Bryant item at auction, previously held by another jersey he wore that sold for $3.7 million. That jersey was autographed and worn by Kobe from 1996 to 1997. This newly auctioned jersey definitely outsold the $18,678 his jersey brought in during a 2013 auction.
Kobe's jersey selling for more than $5 million is hardly the highest amount ever paid for a jersey or a piece of sports memorabilia. The record is currently held by a jersey Michael Jordan wore during the 1998 NBA Finals, which sold last year for $10 million or P545,695,000 based on current exchange rates.
Back in June, a rare LeBron James trading card was put up for auction at $6 million or P327,423,000 based on current exchange rates.
Since Kobe's passing three years ago, merchandise connected to him has slowly begun to re-enter the market. Back in March, Kobe's widow Vanessa Bryant announced that an agreement had been reached with Nike (https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/86811/kobe-bryants-estate-and-nike-reach-a-deal-to-produce-merchandise-again/story) to resume the business partnership between Kobe Bryant's estate and the sportswear brand.
KOBE BRYANT'S PASSING AFFECTED A LOT OF BASKETBALL FANS AROUND THE WORLD. CHECK OUT THEIR TRIBUTES TO HIM IN THE GALLERY BELOW.
