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1998 Kobe Bryant Game Worn & Signed Los Angeles Lakers (Crazy 8) Sneakers with Joe Dumars Provenance....
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Sold on May 8, 2020 for:
$18,600.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
1998 Kobe Bryant Game Worn & Signed Los Angeles Lakers (Crazy 8) Sneakers with Joe Dumars Provenance. The exemplars offered here, Kobe Bryant's first signature sneakers, were worn by The Mamba during his second season in the NBA, when, as a the nineteen-year-old guard, he averaged 15.4 points per game and thrilled millions with his aerial acrobatics and on-court bravado.Like Dr. J in the 1971 and Michael in 1984, the 1997-98 season was a time when Kobe first started showing us what he might become. It was a season of lightning shakes, crazy crossovers, fearless launches, and epic battles with Jordan, when his raw talent and exploding athleticism left us with anticipation of a limitless future.
In the years to come, the future Hall of Famer would win five NBA titles, two Finals MVP awards, and a league MVP, while forging a legacy which would make him one of the world's most recognizable and popular athletes.
These OG KB8 (aka Crazy 8) model shoes feature a player exclusive black and white colorway with a black suede toebox and ankle support, fabric covered foam "waving", and Adidas' trademark three stripes heralded in white patent leather. The Mamba's "8" is stitched into the lower tongues in black embroidery and "Adidas Equipment" branding can be seen in the upper tongues, heels, and ankle supports. Interestingly, the only indication of the Lakers' colorway appears on the heels, where three miniscule stripes are affixed in "Forum Blue" and "Forum Gold" embroidery. Also, these specimen's still retain their original laces and insoles with size "14" tags revealed on the inner tongues.
Each shoe is signed "Kobe 8" in vintage black sharpie on the outer white patent leather stripes. Furthermore, evidence of game use includes identifiable wear to the uppers, mids, and outersoles with sock pilling on the interior ankle areas. For the style match, see Getty Images 51641822.
The notarized letter of provenance from the consignor reads:
"These autographed Kobe Bryant Adidas game worn shoes (2) were awarded to me by Joe Dumars (Detroit Pistons SG 1985-1999). I attended the first ever Joe Dumars Classic Fieldhouse summer basketball camp at the Shelby Township, MI facility on 1998-99. On the final day of the camp, Joe Dumars himself as well as facility staff conducted a prize raffle. The last item raffled were the Kobe Bryant game worn Adidas Crazy 8 dual signed shoes. These were Kobe's first signature shoes (KB8-Crazy 8)...These shoes have been in my possession for 22 years, safely secured in my home."
Like Jordan's "breds," early Kobe kicks with strong provenance are quite difficult to come by, which makes this offering all the more compelling. Letter of provenance from the consignor. LOA from Heritage Auctions. Full LOA from PSA/DNA (autograph).
Auction Info
2020 May 7 - 9 Spring Sports Collectibles Catalog Auction #50026 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
May, 2020
7th-9th
Thursday-Saturday
Internet/Mail Bids: 15
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 6,884
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.
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