The first game-used item from Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance 16 years ago has sold at auction. Sotheby’s offered the shooting shirt Bryant wore in warmups for the afternoon contest against the Toronto Raptors in a special, single-item, short term auction that ended Tuesday afternoon.
It sold for $277,500 to David Kohler, owner of the largest known private collection of Lakers memorabilia and President of SCP Auctions.
While photomatching the shirt, MeiGray discovered that Bryant actually wore it on six different occasions including the game in which he reached 81—the second highest point total in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 on March 2, 1962. Bryant kept some items from that game and no other game-worn gear has reached the market.
Kohler also received a 1/1 Bryant NFT designed by Karvin Cheung, the creator behind Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball cards.
In 2020, Kohler purchased the towel Bryant draped over his shoulders in his final on-court moments as a player in April 2016. His mind boggling collection of Lakers memorabilia chronicles the team’s long history.
All he needed was for Kristaps Porzingis to make a layup at the start of a game and a bettor named “Joe” would have completed a successful four-leg $76,320 parlay bet. His wager was just $100 but after he nailed the first three legs—opening baskets by Jaylen Brown, Devin Booker and Rudy Gobert—he could taste the money.
Porzingis got the ball on the Dallas Mavericks’ first possession—but missed the shot. Someone else scored the Mavs’ first bucket and that was the end of the dream.
After the bad beat got some national attention, Porzingis sent the gambler a signed jersey with his regrets inscribed on it.
It seems like a great piece to keep, but “Joe” is opting to put it up for sale.
The 2021 Bowman’s Best Wander Franco SuperFractor 1/1 pulled by a customer at Parlor City Sportscards in Binghamton,NY is heading for auction.
The card was just graded 10 by PSA and will be offered by Goldin Auctions beginning late this month.
A new 175-table show is set for this Saturday and Sunday in Stamford, CT.
JP’s Sports says 175 tables will be set up at the Stamford Marriott. Show hours are 10-5 both days with an autograph guest list that includes Bobby Valentine, Darrell Evans, Roy White, Todd Zeile and Ruben Sierra.
A sports card show in Southwest Indiana will once again benefit the high school where it’s being held.
Hoosier Sports Cards is hosting the annual event at Union-Dugger High School, which benefits the athletic program.
The show runs on Friday (4-8 PM) and Saturday (9-5) in the school gym with at least 17 dealers and 40 tables planned. Admission is free.
Proceeds from a silent auction and concessions all go to the school, which is one of the smallest in Indiana. Dugger, IN is located about 36 miles south of Terre Haute.
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