The locker Kobe Bryant used at the Staples Center from 2003 to 2016 has been sold for $2.9 million, setting a new record.
Record-Breaking Sale
Sothebyโs announced that this locker is now the most valuable sports locker ever sold at auction. It’s only behind two other pieces of Kobe memorabilia: his rookie season jersey, which went for $3.69 million in 2021, and a signed jersey from his MVP season in 2007-08, which fetched $5.6 million.
The Auction Drama
ESPNโs Dan Hajducky reported that bidding started at $750,000 but skyrocketed to nearly $3 million in the last twenty minutes due to four eager bidders. Brahm Wachter from Sothebyโs called it “a profound relic from one of basketball’s most iconic figures.”
A Piece of History
The custom locker is quite large with dimensions L 34 3/4″ x W 24″ x H 98 7/8″. It features a wood grain pattern on the cabinet door and black marks on the bottom kick plate. Interestingly, it was the only locker with a combination lock.
Fans are amazed by how much people are willing to pay for memorabilia!
Kobe’s locker was located near the showers at the back of the room and was later given to Brandon Ingram after Kobe retired in 2016. During renovations in 2018, a maintenance worker saved it from demolition and sold it to a private collector who reunited it with Bryant’s nameplate.
LeBron Takes Over
After renovations, LeBron James took over Kobe’s corner spot as they changed four lockers into three.
Supporting Youth Initiatives
Sothebyโs also mentioned that part of the sale proceeds will benefit the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, supporting STEM Lab Projects and building basketball courts across Los Angeles County and Hawaii.
