Kobe Bryant’s first number 24 jersey sold for $889,000
Sep 30, 2024; El Segundo, CA, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers retired jersey No. 24 of Kobe Bryant at the UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Collectors’ passion for Kobe Bryant memorabilia shows no signs of slowing down. At an auction organized by Sotheby’s, the very first Los Angeles Lakers jersey worn by the « Black Mamba » with number 24 sold for $889,000, including buyer’s premium.
A historic jersey worn during a memorable evening
This iconic jersey was worn on November 3, 2006, during the Lakers victory against the Seattle Supersonics (118-112) at the Staples Center. That evening, Bryant scored 23 points, marking the beginning of an exceptional season where he would finish third in MVP voting and win his second consecutive scoring title in the league with an average of 31.6 points.
The jersey features unique characteristics that contributed to its exceptional value. Bryant had signed it with the inscriptions « FIRST 24 » and « 1/1 » on the numbers, accompanied by an Upper Deck hologram, the company having held an autograph and memorabilia contract with the star until 2009. MeiGray Authenticated also confirmed through photos that this jersey was worn during the Lakers Media Day in October 2006.
This sale continues the record-breaking trend for Kobe Bryant collectibles. Last April, his very first number 8 jersey from his rookie season 1996-1997 shattered all records by selling for $7 million at the same auction house.
Sotheby’s is also set to sell Kobe Bryant’s First 24 jersey.
Originally sold by Upper Deck, this is a game worn jersey with a UDA cert. that was recently photomatched by @MeiGray
Great inscription captured by the legend Andy Bernstein. 📸
Lots of significance to this jersey… pic.twitter.com/yQIqOipysZ
— Chase Jordan (@goatcollect) September 5, 2025
Jerry West also honored
The same evening saw another legendary jersey change hands. A Jerry West jersey, worn between 1964 and 1967, sold for $533,400. According to Sports Investors Authentication, this jersey was definitively worn during Game 6 of the 1965 and 1966 Western Division finals, as well as during Game 2 of the 1966 NBA Finals.
The lot also included a warm-up jacket, shorts, and socks that the auction house considers to have been game-worn. These items, given in 1967 to Frank O’Neill, former Lakers trainer during the team’s move to the Forum, had remained in a private collection until this sale. The record for a Jerry West item is still held by a 1969-1970 season jersey, sold for $868,000 last May.
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