Kobe Bryant’s iconic Staples Center locker and Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup jersey are now on display at Sotheby’s in New York. These rare items are part of a special auction showcasing significant sports memorabilia.
Bryant’s locker, which he used during his legendary career with the Los Angeles Lakers, is the centerpiece of the auction. The locker is expected to fetch up to $1.5 million, with current bids reaching $700,000. Kobe Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star, spent his entire NBA career from 1996-2016 with the Lakers before tragically passing away in a helicopter crash in 2020.
The locker was saved from being discarded during a renovation of the Staples Center in 2018 and later acquired by an American collector. Brian Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, described the locker as “a sacred relic of Kobe’s unparalleled journey,” noting its significance as a space where Bryant experienced many triumphs and challenges.
The auction also includes other valuable items from sports legends like Michael Jordan and Reggie Jackson, as well as contemporary stars such as Rafael Nadal and Stephen Curry. Maradona’s autographed jersey from the 1986 World Cup semifinal and Jordan’s shorts from his final game are among the notable pieces on display.
Bryant’s locker and other memorabilia will be on public display at Sotheby’s New York until Tuesday, with the auction set to conclude on August 2.
