A game-worn high school jersey belonging to late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has sold for more than $2 million at auction.
Record-Breaking Auction Price
Darren Rovell of cllct highlighted the remarkable increase in value for the piece of memorabilia. The final price tag of $2.2 million stands as the highest amount ever paid for a high school jersey, nearly doubling the previous record.
That earlier mark was set in 2024 when a St. Vincent-St. Mary’s jersey worn by LeBron James for his famous Sports Illustrated cover fetched $1.3 million.
Legendary High School Career
Bryant gained national renown as a high school standout at Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania prior to making the jump to the NBA. During his senior campaign, he received McDonald’s All-American status and collected several national player of the year awards.
The Charlotte Hornets drafted Bryant with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft, subsequently trading him to the Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac. Bryant favored a destination in Los Angeles, and then-general manager Jerry West quickly identified that the young prospect possessed extraordinary potential.
