Sneakers Kobe Bryant wore in first NBA start sell for large amount
One reason why Lakers fans fell in love with Bryant is the fact that he played his entire career with the team. Supporters of the Purple and Gold got to see him grow up from an unfiltered teenager into a refined, grown man and an excellent leader.
Even as an 18-year-old rookie, people believed in his potential, even though he didn't play a lot that year. The sneakers he wore during the first game he was in L.A.'s starting lineup that season have reportedly been sold for just under a quarter million dollars.
Via ESPN:
"An autographed pair of Adidas EQT Top 10 shoes that Kobe Bryant wore in his first Los Angeles Lakers start have sold for $240,000 (including buyer's premium) with SCP Auctions, the second-largest sum ever paid for a pair of his sneakers," wrote Dan Hajducky.
"Photo-matching company Sports Investors Authentication matched the shoes to 'being worn by Kobe Bryant on January 28, 1997 -- Bryant's first career NBA game as a starter.' Both shoes are signed, and both autographs include letters of authentication from Professional Sports Authenticator's authentication arm, PSA/DNA."
That first start for Bryant came during a road game against the Dallas Mavericks, and on that day, he made five of his 11 field-goal attempts and scored 12 points in 32 minutes.
Back in February, the sneakers Bryant wore in 2013 when he tore his Achilles went for $660,000 at an auction. In April, a jersey that was photo-matched to the one he wore during his first regular-season game was sold for $7 million.
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