The legacy of Kobe Bryant, one of the NBA's most iconic and celebrated figures, continues to live on, not just in the memories of fans and the records he set but also in the memorabilia that marked the milestones of his career. Among these, a significant piece of basketball history is set to find a new home: the adidas Top Ten sneakers Kobe wore during his debut NBA game are being auctioned by Sotheby's. Before Kobe's association with Nike, the high school talent signed a six-year deal with adidas.
Kobe Bryant, who entered the NBA straight from high school, debuted for the Los Angeles Lakers on November 3, 1996, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. At 18 years and two months old, he was the youngest player to appear in an NBA game. This debut began a legendary career filled with five NBA championships, 18 All-Star selections, and numerous accolades, solidifying his status as an icon. Kobe's debut sneakers, the adidas Top Ten, symbolize the beginning of this journey. They represent a pivotal moment in sports history, where a future legend took his first step onto the NBA court.
The sneakers, a size 14 in a sleek White Black colorway, exhibit minimal wear, reflecting the 6 minutes of game time Kobe saw during his debut. Their condition and significance are heightened by Kobe's autograph on the lateral toebox, a personal touch that adds immeasurable value. The provenance of these sneakers is just as compelling as their appearance; they were acquired directly from Kobe by Scott Hurlimann, who, after securing the sneakers in 1996, had them signed by Kobe years later outside his hotel.
The adidas Top Ten Kobe Rookie Debut auction is currently open for bidding via Sotheby's, with estimates that the lot will sell for between $80,000 and $120,000. Bidding closes on April 10; as of this writing, the highest bid is $1,200. Check below for detailed images of the sneakers, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Sotheby's
