Kobe Bryant’s MVP No. 24 jersey sells for $5.8 million | CNN

Kobe Bryant’s MVP No. 24 jersey sells for $5.8 million

By Sabrina Souza, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 5:13 PM EST, Thu February 9, 2023
The market value of Kobe Bryant's No. 24 jersey had been estimated at $5-7 million.
The market value of Kobe Bryant's No. 24 jersey had been estimated at $5-7 million.
Mike Segar/Reuters
CNN  — 

A rare Kobe Bryant jersey from the Los Angeles Lakers star’s only MVP season sold for $5.8 million Thursday, according to a tweet from Sotheby’s.

The auction house said the sale marks “the most valuable Bryant item ever sold at auction and second most valuable basketball jersey ever sold.”

The market value of the No. 24 jersey had been estimated at $5-7 million.

Sotheby’s described the jersey as a “sports artifact” which has become “synonymous” with the image of the NBA star.

An iconic photo of Bryant grabbing his jersey after clinching a 14-point lead against the Denver Nuggets during the 2008 NBA playoffs has been captured and recreated endless times.

Its likeness spans murals across Los Angeles and the US, is frequently reprinted on Lakers memorabilia, and has become a symbol of the basketball star’s determination and passion.

Kobe Bryant, pictured in 2007, spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe Bryant, pictured in 2007, spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images
Bryant's youth basketball team poses for a picture in the early 1990s in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Bryant's youth basketball team poses for a picture in the early 1990s in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Courtesy Davide Giudici
Bryant dunks the ball in his high school gym in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, during a practice in 1996.
Bryant dunks the ball in his high school gym in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, during a practice in 1996.
Rusty Kennedy/AP
Bryant jokes with the media as he holds his Los Angeles Lakers jersey at a news conference in Inglewood, California, in 1996.
Bryant jokes with the media as he holds his Los Angeles Lakers jersey at a news conference in Inglewood, California, in 1996.
Susan Sterner/AP
Bryant eyes the basket during the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk contest in Cleveland. Bryant was the youngest player to win the contest.
Bryant eyes the basket during the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk contest in Cleveland. Bryant was the youngest player to win the contest.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty images
Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls eyes the basket as he is guarded by Bryant during a 1998 game in Los Angeles.
Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls eyes the basket as he is guarded by Bryant during a 1998 game in Los Angeles.
Vince Bucci/AFP/Getty Images
Bryant sits on the sidelines during the Euro ABC camp in Berlin in 1999.
Bryant sits on the sidelines during the Euro ABC camp in Berlin in 1999.
Marcus Brandt/Bongarts/Getty Images/file
Shaquille O'Neal and Byrant sit on the bench before a game in 1999 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Shaquille O'Neal and Byrant sit on the bench before a game in 1999 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Bryant hugs his fiancee, Vanessa Laine, in the locker room in Los Angeles after the Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the 2000 NBA Finals to win the series 4-2. Bryant later married Laine, and they had four children.
Bryant hugs his fiancee, Vanessa Laine, in the locker room in Los Angeles after the Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the 2000 NBA Finals to win the series 4-2. Bryant later married Laine, and they had four children.
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images/File
Bryant goes in for a slam dunk against the New Jersey Nets in January 2001.
Bryant goes in for a slam dunk against the New Jersey Nets in January 2001.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Bryant appears on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" at NBC Studios in 2001.
Bryant appears on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" at NBC Studios in 2001.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Bryant stands for the National Anthem at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Bryant stands for the National Anthem at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
President Bush holds up a Lakers jersey that Bryant gave him at a ceremony for the 2001 NBA World Champions in the East Room of the White House in January 2002.
President Bush holds up a Lakers jersey that Bryant gave him at a ceremony for the 2001 NBA World Champions in the East Room of the White House in January 2002.
Doug Mills/AP
Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, attend a news conference at the Staples Center in 2003. The NBA star proclaimed his innocence after facing sexual assault charges for the alleged rape of a 19-year-old Colorado woman. The charges were later dropped. "Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did," <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2004%2FLAW%2F09%2F01%2Fbryant.trial%2F" target="_blank">Bryant later said in a statement.</a>
Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, attend a news conference at the Staples Center in 2003. The NBA star proclaimed his innocence after facing sexual assault charges for the alleged rape of a 19-year-old Colorado woman. The charges were later dropped. "Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did," Bryant later said in a statement.
J. Emilio Flores/Getty Images
Bryant goes up for a shot between the Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce, left, and Al Jefferson during a 2006 game in Los Angeles.
Bryant goes up for a shot between the Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce, left, and Al Jefferson during a 2006 game in Los Angeles.
Branimir Kvartuc/AP
Bryant kisses his daughter Natalia during a 2008 photo session at his home in Newport Beach, California.
Bryant kisses his daughter Natalia during a 2008 photo session at his home in Newport Beach, California.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Bryant jumps for a rebound against the Denver Nuggets during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs.
Bryant jumps for a rebound against the Denver Nuggets during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs.
Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
Bryant celebrates after Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic. The Lakers won 99-86 for their 15th title and first since 2002. Bryant had 30 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists as the Lakers completed a four-games-to-one victory in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.
Bryant celebrates after Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic. The Lakers won 99-86 for their 15th title and first since 2002. Bryant had 30 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists as the Lakers completed a four-games-to-one victory in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.
Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images
Bryant holds his daughter, Gianna, after the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals.
Bryant holds his daughter, Gianna, after the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals.
Elsa/Getty Images
Bryant rides the Matterhorn Bobsleds with Jonathan Guerrero, 4, and his father, David Guerrero of Pomona, California, at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in 2009. The Guerreros were among thousands of Lakers fans who turned out for a special Disneyland parade honoring the Lakers' 15th World Championship.
Bryant rides the Matterhorn Bobsleds with Jonathan Guerrero, 4, and his father, David Guerrero of Pomona, California, at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in 2009. The Guerreros were among thousands of Lakers fans who turned out for a special Disneyland parade honoring the Lakers' 15th World Championship.
Scott Brinegar/Disney/Getty Images
US President Barack Obama chats with Bryant at a Boys and Girls Club in Washington in 2010. Obama welcomed the Lakers to honor their 2009-2010 season and their second consecutive NBA championship.
US President Barack Obama chats with Bryant at a Boys and Girls Club in Washington in 2010. Obama welcomed the Lakers to honor their 2009-2010 season and their second consecutive NBA championship.
Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images
Bryant celebrates after defeating the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals in Los Angeles.
Bryant celebrates after defeating the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals in Los Angeles.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
Bryant joins a teaching session for fans during a 2011 promotional tour of South Korea at Korea University in Seoul.
Bryant joins a teaching session for fans during a 2011 promotional tour of South Korea at Korea University in Seoul.
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Bryant is injured in the second half while playing the Golden State Warriors in 2013. The injury took him out of the rest of the season.
Bryant is injured in the second half while playing the Golden State Warriors in 2013. The injury took him out of the rest of the season.
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
From left, Kevin Durant, Lebron James and Bryant pose with their gold medals at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
From left, Kevin Durant, Lebron James and Bryant pose with their gold medals at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Sergio Perez/Reuters
LeBron James guards Bryant during a 2016 game between the Cavaliers and Lakers in Los Angeles.
LeBron James guards Bryant during a 2016 game between the Cavaliers and Lakers in Los Angeles.
Harry How/Getty Images
Magic Johnson hugs Bryant before the final game of his career in 2016.
Magic Johnson hugs Bryant before the final game of his career in 2016.
Harry How/Getty Images
Bryant runs up the court during his final game in 2016. The Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 101-96. Bryant scored 60 points in the game.
Bryant runs up the court during his final game in 2016. The Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 101-96. Bryant scored 60 points in the game.
Harry How/Getty Images
From left, Peyton Mannin, Abby Wambach and Bryant accept the Icon Award during the 2016 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
From left, Peyton Mannin, Abby Wambach and Bryant accept the Icon Award during the 2016 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, right, gestures while posing with Bryant alongside members of his family and city officials in 2016. The city council announced August 24 as Kobe Bryant Day. The date commemorates the numbers Bryant wore as a Laker: 8 and 24.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, right, gestures while posing with Bryant alongside members of his family and city officials in 2016. The city council announced August 24 as Kobe Bryant Day. The date commemorates the numbers Bryant wore as a Laker: 8 and 24.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images
Bryant walks to center court at his jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of a basketball game in 2017.
Bryant walks to center court at his jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of a basketball game in 2017.
Harry How/Getty Images
Bryant and filmmaker Glen Keane accept the 2018 Oscar for best animated short film. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbelieveentertainmentgroup.com%2Fportfolio-item%2Fdear-basketball%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">"Dear Basketball"</a> was based on <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theplayerstribune.com%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2Fdear-basketball" target="_blank" target="_blank">a letter Bryant wrote</a> in 2015 announcing his retirement from basketball.
Bryant and filmmaker Glen Keane accept the 2018 Oscar for best animated short film. "Dear Basketball" was based on a letter Bryant wrote in 2015 announcing his retirement from basketball.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Bryant <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FBxYER-JngPv%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">posted this photo to Instagram</a> on Mother's Day in 2019. He and his wife, Vanessa, had four daughters: Natalia, Gianna, Bianka and Capri, who was born in June. "Happy Mother's Day @vanessabryant," Bryant wrote. "We love you and thank you for all that you do for our family. You are the foundation of all that we hold dear. I love you #mybaby #lioness #mamabear #queenmamba"
Bryant posted this photo to Instagram on Mother's Day in 2019. He and his wife, Vanessa, had four daughters: Natalia, Gianna, Bianka and Capri, who was born in June. "Happy Mother's Day @vanessabryant," Bryant wrote. "We love you and thank you for all that you do for our family. You are the foundation of all that we hold dear. I love you #mybaby #lioness #mamabear #queenmamba"
Kobe Bryant/From Instagram
Bryant and his daughter Gianna attend a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Atlanta Hawks in 2019.
Bryant and his daughter Gianna attend a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Atlanta Hawks in 2019.
Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images
Bryant listens to the National Anthem prior to a 2019 Lakers game against the Atlanta Hawks in Los Angeles.
Bryant listens to the National Anthem prior to a 2019 Lakers game against the Atlanta Hawks in Los Angeles.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Kobe Bryant's life in pictures

During his 2007-2008 season, Bryant averaged almost 28.3 points per game and scored 2,323 points over the course of the regular season, according to the NBA.

The jersey is the only one he wore in the 2008 playoffs where he led the Lakers to the NBA finals for the first time since Shaquille O’Neal was traded, according to Sotheby’s.

The auction took place shortly after the three-year anniversary of Bryant’s death, where he and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California in January 2020.

During his time in the NBA, Bryant won five championships, four NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, two NBA Finals MVPs and two Olympic gold medals. An 18-time All-Star, he was known for his scoring ability and championship pedigree.

Celina Tebor contributed reporting.