This lot offers an exceedingly rare Kobe Bryant 1996-97 Los Angeles Lakers rookie game used jersey. The Champion size 46 jersey has 4 inches of added length. Kobe wore size 44 for most of his rookie season but switched to size 46 near the end of the season. The offered example has a 1995-96 year tag which the Lakers used for Kobe out of necessity. Teams were given extra 50th Anniversary patches for occasions such as this which the Lakers applied to this beauty.
Accompanied by a very detailed Letter of Authenticity from Los Angeles Lakers expert D.C. Sports Authentication which states "The jersey is concurrent with the examples we have in our library and it is our belief that this jersey is a one hundred percent authentic Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant 1996-97 game worn rookie road jersey."