A game-worn Los Angeles Lakers jersey from Kobe Bryant's legendary No. 8 era is heading to auction, offering fans a unique piece of franchise history. The jersey, worn during the 2003-04 season and featuring an NBA Finals patch, will be sold by The Realest.
This isn't just any Bryant jersey. It's a No. 8 game-used piece authenticated to have been worn in at least 17 games, including eight playoff wins in the 2003-04 campaign. Most importantly, it's the only No. 8 jersey to ever reach the public market bearing an NBA Finals patch. The jersey was also signed by Bryant himself, adding immense value for collectors. It first sold at a Lakers Youth Foundation auction on December 8, 2017, the same night the team retired both of his numbers.
Bidding is currently open at TheRealest.com and will close on November 8, 2026. That date intentionally matches the jersey number and honors the anniversary of Bryant's first double-digit scoring game in the NBA. Before the auction ends, the jersey will embark on a global tour. It debuts publicly at ComplexCon 2026 in Los Angeles from October 3-4, then travels to Macau for the ASCC show alongside the NBA China Games in October.
The auction of this iconic artifact coincides with a period of building momentum for the franchise. This blend of past glory and present pursuit defines the Lakers' enduring legacy.
Fans looking to follow the modern team's journey can track their progress on our standings page. Meanwhile, the Bryant jersey serves as a powerful reminder of the championship standards this season's squad aims to uphold. Its world tour and subsequent sale highlight the global, lasting impact of a Lakers legend, creating a bridge between eras for one of basketball's most storied franchises.
