Kobe Bryant’s signed MVP jersey goes on the auction block for $7 million.
According to Sotheby, the auction’s host, the jersey is the “most valuable Kobe Bryant game-worn jersey to ever appear at auction.” The signed purple and gold item was worn by Kobe during his 2007-2008 season for 25 games, including 6 playoff matches.
During that season, Kobe averaged 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists each game. The deceased legend also “scored a total of 645 points over 8 months in this jersey,” Sotheby says.
“This jersey has influenced popular culture in a way that is seldom seen in the sports community. Becoming iconic and synonymous with the image of Kobe Bryant,” Sotheby adds. “In California alone, there are more than 15 murals depicting him in this jersey, with wings, American flags, and snakes in the background.”
What makes the item even more special is that it’s also the jersey Kobe is seen wearing in the iconic photo of him during a 2008 playoff game. In addition, the jersey comes with an authentic autograph from the Lakers player that’s sketched onto the back of the memorabilia.
The bidding for the jersey will begin next month and is expected to sell for anywhere between $5-7 million.