On August 2, Sotheby's sold Kobe Bryant's personal locker at Staples Center for a record-breaking $2.9 million.
The historic purchase makes the locker the most valuable sports locker ever sold at auction and the third-most expensive piece of Bryant memorabilia sold at auction, according to a statement from Sotheby's to the Daily Caller. The locker was listed for $750,000 and competed with four bidders in a 20-minute bidding war. The buyer's name was not released.
Kobe Bryant's locker (1), courtesy of Sotheby's
According to Sotheby's, the legendary NBA star's locker was sold along with photographic documentation spanning the 2003-2004 season.
Bram Wachter, head of contemporary collectibles at Sotheby's, spoke about the significance of the auction in light of Bryant's impact on the sports world.
“Kobe Bryant's locker is more than just a piece of memorabilia, it's a priceless memento from one of basketball's most iconic figures,” Wachter said. “Today's price not only highlights Kobe's enduring legacy, but also the extraordinary nature of this unique item.”
Kobe Bryant's locker (3) (1), Courtesy of Sotheby's
The sale of this treasured piece of NBA history is made even more special by how it came about: A keen-eyed maintenance worker noticed the locker's significance during renovations at Staples Center in 2018 and made sure it wasn't destroyed. According to Sotheby's, the worker sold it in a private transaction to an American collector, who re-released it along with its original locker nameplate.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 28: Kobe Bryant, No. 24, of the Los Angeles Lakers, launches the ball down the court during a game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on December 28, 2007. Notice to users: By downloading or using this photo, users agree to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
The locker, which Bryant used during his illustrious tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, has since been put up for auction at Sotheby's.
“This locker was Kobe's shrine amidst triumphs and hardships and bore witness to the ups and downs of his storied career. Every accomplishment and hardship left its mark within this locker. Its coming up for auction represents a rare opportunity to own a unique piece of Kobe's legacy,” Wachter said. (Related: Sylvester Stallone Makes History With 'Most Expensive Modern Watch')
The sale highlighted Bryant's philanthropic achievements, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation.
