Kobe Bryant's game-worn jerseys from his rookie season broke multiple records at auction over the weekend in a major way.
The 1996-97 signed No. 8 Los Angeles jersey fetched $3.69 million through Goldin Auctions, making it the most expensive basketball jersey and most expensive Bryant item ever sold. The previous record for a basketball jersey was set earlier this month by a Michael Jordan UNC jersey that sold for $1.38 million, according to Darren Rovell of Action Network.
Bryant's jersey was photo-matched to seven games and a Sept. 20, 1996, photoshoot, which Goldin believes could make it one of the first Lakers jerseys he ever wore. Bryant appeared in 71 games as a rookie, averaging 7.6 points and 1.3 assists.
The Lakers pulled off what proved to be one of the greatest trades in NBA history when they sent Vlade Divac to the Charlotte Hornets for Bryant, the No. 13 pick in the 1996 draft.
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