Kobe Bryant’s warm-up jacket from his final NBA game in 2016 is set to hit the auction block at SCP Auctions, expected to sell for $250,000 to $350,000.
The jacket was worn by Bryant during his unforgettable 60-point farewell performance, after which he uttered the now-legendary words “Mamba Out” before dropping his mic at center court and departing the Staples Center for the final time as an active player.
"It's an amazing piece from one of the most iconic moments in NBA history and Kobe’s farewell 'Mamba Out' game," SCP President David Kohler told cllct.
The jacket is photo-matched by Sports Investors Authentication and was worn in previous games as well, according to Kohler.
Kohler and his team estimates the game-worn jersey from the game would be worth $10 million, adding he believes the jacket is "the next best thing."
Warm-up jackets have long been a coveted collectible, firmly establishing a niche within the more well-known game-worn jersey market.
Other jackets, such as the one worn by Willis Reed during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals (sold for $371,005 in June 2022), fetched as much as high-end jerseys.
This jacket is particularly special, according to Kohler.
"He warmed up in it before the game and acknowledged the Lakers fans then went and scored 60 points!"
Past examples of Bryant warm-ups which have sold publicly include a rookie-year example which garnered $7,080 in 2015.
Bryant's jacket from Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals sold for $16,800 at Goldin, and a jacket from his 81-point performance sold for more than $400,000 in 2023.
A Bryant-worn jersey worn during 25 games of his 2007-2008 season sold for a record $5.8 million in 2023.
SCP Auctions, which is led by Kohler, a devoted Lakers collector, is no stranger to Bryant items, having sold his final road jersey for $366,967.20 in 2023, as well as a playoff-worn Bryant jersey from his rookie year for $2.74 million in 2022.
"Kobe game worn memorabilia is so hot and in demand worldwide," Kohler said, noting the importance of this particular piece, which will be available for bidding in SCP’s 2024 Summer Premier Auction opening July 17.
Considering the red-hot demand for Bryant memorabilia, as well as the passion of the collectors who own key items and are unlikely to sell, it has become increasingly rare for pieces relating to Bryant's final game to sell publicly.
SCP goes even further, writing in a release. "This is almost certainly the only item from Kobe’s historic final game that will ever be offered publicly."
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.