Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers 1996-1997 Game Sneakers | Possible Attribution to Rookie Debut Game

Before his association with Nike in June of 2003 and the development of one of the most renowned performance basketball sneaker lines, at the age of 17, Kobe Bryant entered into a six-year agreement with adidas. 

Offered in this lot is a pair of adidas Top Ten EQT sneakers, with wear possibly attributed to Bryant’s NBA debut. 

The lot is accompanied by a letter of provenance, and a full game ticket, from November 3rd, 1996 when the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Minnesota Timberwolves, at the Great Western Forum. 

On November 3rd, 1996, at just 18 years, 2 months, and 11 days, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player to appear in an NBA game. In his debut, Bryant recorded 1 rebound and 1 block in 6 minutes. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 91-85. 

As the 1996-1997 season progressed, Bryant’s role would continue to expand. Bryant ended the season with averages of 7.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors. During the 1997 NBA All-Star Weekend, Kobe put the league on notice, winning the Slam Dunk Contest. 

The Provenance

The sneakers were previously owned by Scott Hurlimann, who attended the game at the Great Western Forum in 1996. Before tip-off, Hurlimann met several players outside of the stadium, securing autographs on various items, including Bryant’s. Hurlimann reportedly asked Kobe if he could have his shoes after the game, to which Kobe responded “No problem, just meet me out here after the game.” After securing the shoes from Bryant, years later, Hurlimann managed to meet Kobe again outside of a hotel, where the initialed autograph on these shoes was obtained. 

Going Deeper | Kobe Bryant 

When Kobe Bryant was drafted into the NBA at 17 years old, he did not celebrate with an elaborate draft party. Instead, Bryant reportedly went to the gym. 17 years later, when he tore his Achilles in April of 2013, Kobe was not carried off the court by his teammates. With a face displaying agony, he instead hobbled to the free throw line and made both shots, touching nothing but net.  

An embodiment of the competitive spirit, it was Bryant’s ability to attack each game with an unparalleled desire to win that made him one of this generation’s greatest. When Kobe retired in 2016, he did so as a 5-time NBA champion, a league MVP, a 2-time scoring champion and a 12-time All-Defensive team selection. A complete player and an ambassador of the game, Bryant was the face of the Los Angeles Lakers and one of the biggest names in the NBA during his 20-year career. 

adidas Sneakers  

adidas sneakers symbolize a pivotal time in Bryant’s career, marked by astonishing performances and glimpses of his immense potential, they hold significance in Bryant’s narrative, representing his encounters with MJ, his time with Shaquille O’Neal, and his first three NBA championships. 

*A portion of the net proceeds from the hammer price is being remitted to The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation via the MeiGray Group. The Buyer’s Premium and Overhead Premium will be retained by Sotheby’s. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible.