The sneakers that Kobe Bryant wore in his first career NBA start have sold for $240,000 at auction after being photo matched to his January 28th, 1997 game vs. the Dallas Mavericks.
The sale is the 3rd time the pair have been sold in the last 2 years, though the two previous sales didn’t come with the authentication confirmed. Originally sold for $28,800 in November of 2023, the pair of Adidas EQT sneakers then sold for nearly $35K more a year later.
However, the photo match provided the pair a significant boost in value after they were positively matched to a Getty Image photo from the game in question.
The SCP auction website described the shoes as “Kobe Bryant was taken with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft and traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers. He appeared in 71 games for Los Angeles in his rookie season. On January 28, 1997, he made his first career start in a game against the Dallas Mavericks in Texas. At 18 years, 158 days old, Bryant became the youngest player to start an NBA game in history. Bryant tallied 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in a 102-83 Lakers victory.”
“Offered is the pair of Adidas EQT Top 10 shoes photomatched to Kobe’s first career start on that January night. The size 13.5 sneakers show heavy use, with creasing and scuffing throughout. The soles and mudguards exhibit moderate tread wear. Both shoes have been signed by Bryant in bold black permanent marker in his early career style. The LOA from Sports Investors Authentication states that the company: “photo matched these shoes being worn by Kobe Bryant on January 28, 1997 — Bryant’s first career NBA game as a starter. Kobe Was 18 years, 158 days old during this game — making him the youngest player ever to start in an NBA game.” The autographs are also accompanied by full LOAs from PSA/DNA. An incredible pair of shoes from a historic moment in the career of one of the greatest players of all time.”
The buyer, who has chosen to remain anonymous for the time being, is now in possession of one of the most significant pairs of sneakers from Bryant’s career. The sale easily eclipsed the $190,500 mark that Kobe wore when he became the youngest player to 30,000 points in NBA history which wrapped up earlier this year.
Photo: SCP Auctions.