Kobe Bryant’s legacy is unquestionable, the late NBA legend will always be one of the biggest names in sports. His resume spoke for itself, Kobe was a 5-time NBA champion, a league MVP, and a 2-time Finals MVP. His name is often second only to Michael Jordan’s, and for most Lakers fans, Kobe has a solid argument to be considered the greatest player of all time.
The Mamba came to Los Angeles in 1996 to play for the Lakers. There he was paired up with the unstoppable Shaquille O’Neal. The duo would lead the Purple and Gold to a three-peat, making them the last team to accomplish that feat. Most fans, the Lakers organization, and Jerry West knew how special Kobe was from day one too, even though it took him quite a few years to make the Lakers his team.
A photo recently went viral on social media, seemingly showing Kobe signing a fan’s jersey right before his first game as a Laker in 1996. There weren’t too many people around them at the time, but fans were in no doubt how significant the jersey would be in terms of value today.
https://twitter.com/AuxGod_/status/1554136408574414850
“Kobe Bryant signing a fans jersey before his first-ever NBA game in LA (1996).”
“That jersey is easily worth a zillion dollars now.”
“It’s the knowing you’re going to be one of the greats before it happens.”
“That jersey worth at least a cool $8M by now.”
“Imagine being this guy.”
“That sh*t would be in a frame till this day.”
“I know how much that jersey would be worth, but you’d never catch me selling that.”
“Real G’s knew Kobe was a star before his first game.”
“This guy got in before all the hype, wow.”
“Wonder where this fan and jersey are now.”
“Man knew a legend before a game was played!”
“I’d tattoo this picture on my back if I was him ngl.”
“Bro sitting on a million dollars or better somewhere with that jersey.”
“I hope this person still has the jersey.”
Some things are priceless, and while fans are right about this jersey being worth a lot, having it still would be amazing for this fan. Kobe’s passing was a tragic event, and the NBA world misses him to this day. For any die-hard Lakers fan, having this piece of memorabilia to remember Bryant by would like be worth more than its weight in gold.
