Kobe Bryant's legacy continues to captivate fans and collectors alike, as a pair of sneakers he wore during a pivotal game in 2013 sold for an astonishing $660,000 at auction. The sale took place amidst a backdrop of high-profile auctions of Bryant memorabilia following his untimely death at age 41 in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, in January 2020. The tragic accident also claimed the lives of eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
On April 12, 2013, Kobe Bryant played one of the most memorable games of his career against the Golden State Warriors. Despite hyperextending his knee early in the second half and later tearing his Achilles tendon with just three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Bryant managed to score two critical free throws. His team, the Los Angeles Lakers, emerged victorious over Steph Curry's Warriors with a narrow victory of 118-116.
Bryant's sheer determination and resilience during this game have since become a testament to his legendary "Mamba Mentality."
"There is no moment in Kobe's career more emblematic of the 'Mamba Mentality' than 'The Achilles Game," – Sotheby's
After the injury, Bryant hobbled to the bench but insisted on returning to the court to execute the free throws. With the clock paused thanks to a strategic foul by the Lakers, he then headed to the locker room for treatment.
"As soon as I made the move, I knew it. It feels like the shock absorbers in the back of your foot are just gone," – Kobe Bryant
The Nike Kobe 8 Elite sneakers he wore that night were estimated by Sotheby's to sell for between $600,000 and $800,000, reflecting the significant demand for items connected to this iconic moment. This sale follows a trend of high-value auctions of Bryant memorabilia. In June 2024, his jersey from the same game fetched $1.2 million. Additionally, a jersey he signed and wore during his MVP season from 2007 to 2008 sold for more than $5.8 million in 2023.
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