As the 2021 Basketball Playoffs have begun, many will be eagerly watching the record-breaking action on the court, but there was also record-breaking action in the auction room. Two fan favorites, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, just scored new records.
Kobe Bryant entered the NBA in the 1996-97 season as the 13th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets and was traded that very night to the LA Lakers – boy, I bet the Hornets have always regretted that trade! Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal became the powerhouse of the Lakers and led them to five NBA titles. One of Kobe’s jerseys from his rookie season, and quite possibly the first Laker’s jersey worn by the superstar, just sold at auction. Bidding started at $100K, and the action quickly heated up as 50 bids were placed on the lot. In the end, billionaire Bob Duggan came away with the win, adding an incredible piece of sports memorabilia to his collection. He paid a record-breaking price of $3.6M – making it the most expensive basketball jersey ever sold!
Michael Jordan dominated basketball for 15 seasons playing for the Chicago Bulls; he was
the 3rd overall draft pick and is considered the greatest basketball player of all time…which most of you already know. An autographed 1997-98 UD “Game Jersey” NBA All-Star Game Used Patch Card, graded by PSA as Near Mint/Mint condition, crossed the auction block. As Upper Deck only produced 23 of these cards, bidding started at $250K, and as bidders vied for the prized card, a record was set for any Michael Jordan collectible when it sold for $2.1M. On a side note…Jordan is now the principal owner and Chairman of the Charlotte Hornets – I bet he wouldn’t have let Kobe go!