Kobe Bryant’s locker, which he used for the majority of his legendary NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, was sold for $2.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.
This exceeded the estimated price of $1.5 million by almost double.
Bryant, a revered 18-time NBA All-Star, tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2020 at the age of 41. He spent his entire NBA career with the Lakers, from 1996 to 2016.
The locker was rescued from being discarded during renovations at the Staples Center in 2018 by a maintenance worker, and later acquired by an American collector through Sotheby’s.
“Today’s price highlights not only Kobe Bryant’s enduring legacy but also the exceptional nature of this unique item,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectables, commenting on the price achieved after 19 bids.
The auction also included memorabilia from other sporting legends, such as Michael Jordan and Reggie Jackson, as well as items from contemporary stars, such as Rafael Nadal and Stephen Curry.
