Kobe Bryant’s career in basketball is far from over but many are already debating his legacy as one of the sport’s best and hardest working players. It is certain he has obtained a place as a legend and one whose sport collectibles are already highly prized. After a month-long auction six lots of Kobe Bryant memorabilia sold through Goldin Auctions in New Jersey for $433,531. The lots were commissioned by Kobe’s mother Pamela Bryant and the star first blocked the auction and threatened a lawsuit. They eventually came to an agreement that included a charity donation. Goldin Auctions is donating $62,565 to The Bully Project, a Kobe Bryant supported charity that takes on the issue of childhood bullying.
“Collectors surely recognized that these are historically significant pieces of memorabilia that are rarely made available for a player like Kobe Bryant,” said Ken Goldin, Founder of Goldin Auctions. The six Kobe Bryant items are each accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity signed by his mother Pamela Bryant.The donation to The Bully Project represents 50% of the final bid price of the four items (two of Kobe’s high school game uniforms, a medallion and ribbon from the 1996 Magic’s Roundball classic, and his 2000 All-Star ring). Also up for auction were two Kobe Bryant 2000 Lakers NBA Championship rings, one gifted to his mother and one to his father. The ring given to his father, who shares a ring size with Kobe, fetched $174,184.
Other items auction at the sale included a Jackie Robinson game-used bat, a Derek Jeter game-used glove, and a Yogi Berra catcher’s mitt, game used and signed by the legend. One other intruiging lot was a pair of Michael Jordan game Worn and Signed/Inscribed sneakers personally given by Jordan to Mike Tyson with an inscription that reads: “TO MIKE – STAY STRONG – Michael Jordan.” They sold for $9,030.
