NOTE: The autograph on this shirt was failed by JSA.
Kobe Bryant, the 6’6”, 200 pound guard skipped college and was drafted as the13th overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996. Based on the strength of his pre-draft workouts against former and current Lakers, Jerry West traded Vlade Divac to the Hornets for Kobe. By adding Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers became instant contenders and the dual and would win 3 NBA titles.
During his first season, Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel. Initially, he played limited minutes, but as the season continued, he began to see some more playing time. He earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer and a fan-favorite by winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest.
To celebrate “Black Mamba’s” rookie season, MEARS is proud to offer this very rare shirt. Per the Official MEARS Jersey Census, this is the only rookie shirt evaluated by MEARS. Other examples entering the hobby are also extremely limited.
Offered is a Los Angeles Lakers road jersey dating to Kobe Bryant's 1996-97 rookie season with the team. Supplied by Champion, the size 44 tag sewn to tail with a 1996-97 exclusive tag indicating +3 body length. The size and extra length is within a consistent range of three other shirts that have entered the hobby and used by MEARS as a reference:
44 +3 (Grey Flannel)
46 +4 (Paragon)
44 +3 (Grey Flannel HOF Auction)
"Lakers", number 8 and "Bryant" are also sewn to the purple mesh jersey. A gold NBA logo is present on the left shoulder in honor of the NBA 50th Anniversary. A Kobe signature is also signed on the front numeral 8 in gold marker which JSA has not passed as authentic.
Light but visible game wear shown. When evaluating the shirt for the purpose of grading, all of the characteristics needed for a game worn shirt are present, i.e. proper tagging, numbering, lettering, size, are present. No provenance was provided. (80H0370)
(80H0370)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
