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Quick Bytes
- Kobe Bryant’s Staples Center locker sold for a record $2.9 million at Sotheby’s.
- The locker sale supports the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, honoring Bryant’s legacy.
- A maintenance worker saved the locker during renovations, leading to its eventual auction.
- The Lakers unveiled a new statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, with a third to come in the 2024-25 season.
Kobe Bryant’s Legacy Continues with Record-Breaking Locker Sale and New Statue
In a remarkable auction, Kobe Bryant’s Staples Center locker fetched $2.9 million, setting a new record for locker sales and becoming the third-highest priced Bryant memorabilia ever sold.
The bidding war for this iconic piece of sports history began on July 22 and concluded on August 2, with the price soaring in the last 20 minutes due to the fervor of four determined bidders. Sotheby’s, the prestigious auction house, highlighted the locker’s significance, with Brahm Wachter noting its status as a “profound relic” of the basketball legend. The locker, which witnessed Bryant’s extraordinary 81-point game and back-to-back NBA championships, is a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, ensuring Bryant’s influence extends beyond the court. The locker’s journey to the auction block is a tale of preservation; a maintenance worker, recognizing its value during a 2018 renovation, saved it from disposal. It was later paired with Bryant’s nameplate for the Sotheby’s auction, which also featured other NBA memorabilia, including a $96,000 game-worn Jayson Tatum jersey.
Adding to the week’s tributes, the Lakers unveiled a touching statue of Kobe and his daughter Gianna, capturing their shared passion for basketball. This is the second of three planned statues, with the next one anticipated during the 2024-25 NBA season.
For fans seeking more, the Lakers’ YouTube channel offers exclusive content, including player interviews and event coverage.
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