Kobe Bryant’s Storied Staples Center Locker Listed At $1.5M In Auction

Kobe Bryant’s Staples Center locker is now hitting the auction block. Sotheby’s released a statement regarding the memorabilia on Monday (July 22), detailing the significance of Bryant ‘s personal home base. They explained that the rare piece of history was more than just a locker but “a sacred relic.”

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“Kobe Bryant’s locker at the Staples Center is more than just a piece of memorabilia; it’s a sacred relic of his unparalleled journey,” Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, Brahm Wachter, said in an official statement. “This locker was Kobe’s sanctuary amidst triumphs and challenges, a witness to the highs and lows of a storied career.”

Sotheby’s also provided deeper context behind the potential selling price of $1 million to $1.5 million. The auction company stated that some proceeds would be used for philanthropic ventures to honor Bryant’s legacy of community impact. “In keeping with Kobe Bryant’s legacy of philanthropy and community impact, a portion of the proceeds from the sale will directly benefit The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation,” Sotheby’s told TMZ .

Kobe Bryant used the coveted locker from his 2003/2004 season until the 2015/2016 season. The locker has seen some historic moments from its temporary owner throughout that period—highs and lows. These feats included the 2006 game when Bryant scored 81 points and when the Black Mamba led the Los Angeles Lakers to victory in the 2010 NBA Finals. It was also the locker Kobe inhabited during his infamous sexual assault case which took place in 2003.

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Bryant’s locker was set to be destroyed after the Staples Center underwent its 2018 renovations. However, a maintenance worker noticed Kobe’s personal cupboard and managed to save it from the wreckage. It was held in storage for years before it was eventually purchased by an American collector who managed to get their hands on Kobe’s original locker nameplate.

Kobe’s locker is part of the Sotheby’s Altitude Capsule Collection , which is now open until Aug. 2. The collection features other sports history, such as a pair of Michael Jordan’s Washington Wizards shorts, which he wore during his final game with the team. The shorts are set to go on sale around noon for $250,000.

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