Kobe Bryant’s Lakers locker goes on auction for estimated $1.5MILLION after almost being THROWN OUT in 2008 – one week after his dad’s death
The safe that Kobe Bryant used for most of his Lakers career has been auctioned off. The piece of history is estimated to be worth between $1 million and $1.5 million.
Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020, is believed to have used the Staples Center locker room from the 2003-04 season through the 2015-16 season — his final year in the NBA.
And now Sotheby’s is auctioning the object, after it came into the hands of an anonymous American collector in a private transaction.
The item had previously been in storage for “years,” the company said, after being discovered during renovations to the Staples Center in 2018.
According to Sotheby’s, the safe, along with the rest of what was left in the dressing room, would have been thrown away if it hadn’t been for a “vigilant” maintenance worker.
Kobe Bryant’s old Lakers locker is now up for sale and the estimated return is over $1 million
Bryant used the locker room from the 2003-04 season through the 2015-16 season — his last in the NBA
“Kobe Bryant’s locker at Staples Center is more than just a piece of memorabilia; it is a sacred relic of his unparalleled journey,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, in a press release.
‘This vault was Kobe’s refuge amidst triumphs and challenges, a witness to the highs and lows of a legendary career. Every achievement and setback left its mark within these walls. Its appearance at auction now symbolizes a rare opportunity to own a unique piece of Kobe’s legacy.’
The locker is made of wood and features Bryant’s last name in the upper right corner.
Bryant is of course considered a legend with the Lakers and the NBA, after a career that included five championships, 15 All-NBA selections and one MVP win.
Additionally, there were numerous highlights he put in at the Staples Center (now known as the Crypto.com Arena), including his incredible 81-point game in 2006 and his fairytale 60-point performance in his final game.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the locker will go to the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation.
Bidding on the item is open until July 31. The auction began Monday, less than a week after Bryant’s father died.
Bryant produced numerous highlights at Staples Center, including his 81-point game against the Raptors in 2006
Joe Bryant tragically passed away last week at the age of 69. Joe, a 6ft 10in forward, enjoyed a long playing career with stints with the 76ers, Clippers and Rockets.
His death comes four and a half years after his son – then just 41 – and granddaughter Gianna, 13, were killed in a helicopter crash.
However, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the relationship between Joe and his son Kobe became strained as the Lakers legend went on to build a career in the NBA Hall of Fame.
He has never spoken publicly about his son’s death and earlier this year, the 2000 NBA title ring that Kobe gave to “Jellybean” was auctioned for $927,000.