Despite losing game 3 of the 2009 NBA Finals, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s game-worn jersey just sold at auction for more than $900,000.
The jersey, which was being auctioned by Goldin Auctions, sold for $915,000, showing the desire for the late-Laker’s gear and memorabilia.
Goldin Auctions shared that the purple jersey “features all numbering and lettering in tackle twill and is adorned with an NBA Logoman patch on the upper left chest, plus an NBA Finals Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy patch on the upper right chest.”
Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January 2020, is one of the most famous NBA players of the century and widely considered one of the best players in the league’s history.
While he may have lost game 3 of the 2009 NBA Finals, he did go on to win his fourth championship, beating the Orlando Magic in five games, with game 3 being the only loss.
The game-worn jersey also “comes with an LOA from MeiGray (AM010669), who have conclusively photo-matched the jersey to Game 3 of the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic on Jun. 9.”
Bryant shot 11-25 in the game and had 31 points and eight assists. During the series, Bryant, who won NBA Finals MVP, averaged 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals.
The following season he would go on to win the NBA Finals again, securing his fifth and final NBA Championship.