Kobe Bryant Fans have the opportunity to get their hands on a truly rare piece of memorabilia… The Black Mamba’s Staples Center locker — and it could sell for over a million dollars!!
TMZ Sports I learned that… the locker — which was set to be destroyed during the Staples Center renovations in 2018 — was saved by a maintenance worker who realized it belonged to the Hall of Famer.
The worker kept it in storage for years until an American collector, who had the cabinet’s nameplate, bought it to reunite the two pieces.
We’re told this cabinet, which will be auctioned by Sotheby’s, is expected to sell for up to $1.2 million… and part of the final bid will be donated to charity.
“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 us.
There are a ton of other amazing listings… including Michael JordanThe shorts worn in his final game with the Washington Wizards in the 2002-03 season.
His Airness’ last appearance on the NBA court was on April 16, 2003, when the Wizards faced the Philadelphia 76ers. He scored 15 points in that game.
The auction will also have Diego MaradonaArgentina jersey worn and signed in the second half of the 1985 World Cup, which is expected to sell for more than US$800,000.
Olympic star Florence Griffith JoynerThe gold medal from when she set a world record at the 1988 Seoul Olympics will also be up for auction… as will the shoes she wore in her 21.34-second run.
The online auction starts on Monday and ends on August 2nd. Good luck!