Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant game worn adidas jersey from Bryant’s final NBA Opening Day, 2015–2016 Season.

• Photomatched by The MeiGray Group to October 28, 2015 and November 3, 2015.
• This item is final sale and not eligible for return.

When Kobe Bryant was drafted into the NBA at 17 years old, he did not celebrate with an elaborate draft party. Instead, Bryant reportedly went to the gym. 17 years later, when he tore his achilles, Kobe was not carried off the court by his teammates. With a face displaying agony, he instead hobbled to the free throw line and made both shots, touching nothing but net.  

An embodiment of the competitive spirit, it was Bryant’s ability to attack each game with an unparalleled desire to win that made him one of this generation’s greatest. When Kobe retired in 2016, he did so as a 5-time NBA champion, a league MVP, a 2-time scoring champion and a 12-time All-Defensive team selection. A complete player and an ambassador of the game, Bryant was the face of the Los Angeles Lakers and one of the biggest names in the NBA during his 20-year career. 

Sotheby’s is proud to offer the jersey worn by Bryant on his final Opening Day of his illustrious career, photomatched by The MeiGray Group to October 28, 2015. It was additionally photomatched to November 3, 2015. 

On October 28, his last Opening Day, Kobe played nearly 29 minutes, recording 24 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

On November 3, Kobe recorded 11 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals against the Denver Nuggets.

In 2021, Kobe Bryant was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Lakers organization retired both numbers he wore during his career, 24 and 8.