This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2002.
Kobe Bryant jumped directly from high school to the pros in 1996 and enjoyed an impressive rookie season with the Lakers. In his second season he was voted a starter for the 1998 All-Star Game, becoming at 19 the youngest All-Star in NBA history. His talent has only gotten better as his career has gone on. This jersey was manufactured in 1995-96 and worn by Kobe Bryant in his rookie 1996-97 season. On the left front tail of the jersey is the "Champion" exclusive label with the year "95-96" and "Body Length +3." Next to this is the "Champion" label with the size, "44." Across the front of the jersey is the name "Lakers" and on the back is the name "Bryant." The player number "8" appears on both the front and back of the jersey. All the letters and numbers are made of purple on white tackle twill. On the upper left front is the gold "NBA" patch. On the inside of the jersey you can see the remains of the red/white/blue NBA patch which was used during the 1995-96 season. The gold NBA patch was sewn on over this patch for the 1996-97 season. The jersey shows game-use and with the exception of the added gold NBA patch, appears to have no other alterations of any kind.