2009 Kobe Bryant NBA Finals Game Worn Los Angeles Lakers Warm-Up Jacket--Photo Matched by MeiGray!...

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Aug 27, 2022 for:

Not Sold

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

NBA Championship #5 & NBA Finals MVP #1!

2009 Kobe Bryant NBA Finals Game Worn Los Angeles Lakers Warm-Up Jacket--Photo Matched by MeiGray! It was a decade that belonged to the Black Mamba, whose 21,065 points in regular season play between 1999-00 and 2008-09 led the league. He'd enter the 2009 postseason with that record in hand and the gas pedal still slammed to the floor, averaging 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks in five NBA Finals games against the Orlando Magic. This made Kobe the first player since Jerry West (1969) to average at least 32.4 points and 7.4 assists in a Finals series, and the first since Michael Jordan to average 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for a title-winning team in the Finals.

So this warm-up jacket sported on the sidelines of that glorious Finals would be a particularly desirable NBA artifact even without the heartbreaking context of Bryant's tragic and untimely demise. The "Adidas" garment bears "Made in Vietnam XLT" and "+2"" flap tagging at collar with brand and Lakers logo patches on the chest. A Larry O'Brien Trophy patch appears at left sleeve, with "Lakers" spanning the shoulders on verso in two-tone tackle twill. Number "24" is written in vintage marker at interior collar tagging.

But the validation of authenticity comes from MeiGray's matches to two Getty Images (88315769 & 88315870), shot during the National Anthem prior to the Lakers' 101-96 overtime victory at Staples Center in Game Two. Bryant registered 29 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds in that game. Garment exhibits proper wear, with a small bit of inconsequential staining at right ribs. It's an offering that has it all--a legendary player in his prime, championship vintage, and the certitude of authenticity that only photo matching can provide. LOA from MeiGray with Photo Matches. LOA from Heritage Auctions.