2016 LeBron James Game Worn Cleveland Cavaliers Throwback Jersey Worn in Kobe Bryant's Last Game in Cleveland--Photo Matched!...

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Sold on Feb 24, 2024 for:

$81,000.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

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The city of Cleveland honors a great competitor!

2016 LeBron James Game Worn Cleveland Cavaliers Throwback Jersey Worn in Kobe Bryant's Last Game in Cleveland--Photo Matched! It's hard to believe it's already been a four years since a helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant and others crashed into a fog-shrouded mountain near Los Angeles, leaving no survivors. As the global sporting world reeled with the tragedy, few felt the pain more deeply than LeBron James, a man who shared with the fallen legend elite talent, single-minded determination and the unlikely transition directly from high school to the highest court in the land, the National Basketball Association. They were the greatest of competitors and the closest of friends.

The presented Cavaliers jersey--a gorgeous throwback style that ranks among the most beloved of the Cleveland fanbase--was worn by King James at Quicken Loans Arena as Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers made their final appearance of the 2016 (and Kobe's career) there. Though the aging Laker was still able to hit some big shots, recording seventeen points in thirty-three minutes of action, his younger buddy toyed with a triple-double while donning these sharp threads, with twenty-nine points, eleven assists and seven rebounds.

Aware that this was Bryant's last visit to Cleveland, the Cavaliers presented a Jumbotron montage of Kobe highlights prior to the start of the contest to a deafening ovation. "It felt great to play here so many years and get that type of reaction," Bryant said of the tribute. "It was really special."

After the final buzzer confirmed the 120-111 Cavaliers victory, James and Bryant embraced. "It was just a lot of mutual respect," James explained. "Sometimes what is known doesn't need to be said."

The mid-1970's tribute gamer is crafted from yellow mesh with red, white and yellow striped elasticized ribs, cuffs and collar. "Cavaliers 23" spans the chest in bold tackle twill, giving way to "James 23" on verso. Lower left front tail bears "Adidas Size XL" label with "Length +2"" flag tag. Secondary inventory code and "HWC Nights" labels appear at nine and twelve o'clock relative to the primary tag. Game wear is appropriate for the limited use. Mesh hole patterning supplies the ironclad assurance of authenticity through photo matching. LOA from Resolution Photomatching. LOA from Heritage Auctions.