Kobe Bryant's rare No. 8 Lakers jersey hits auction

A rare, game-worn Kobe Bryant No. 8 jersey is being offered for auction by The Realest. This specific piece is noted as the only No. 8 jersey to feature an NBA Finals patch to ever reach the market.

The jersey dates back to the 2003-04 season, a period marking the emergence of Bryant’s ‘Black Mamba’ persona. It was worn during at least 17 documented games, including three Western Conference series-clinching victories during the Los Angeles Lakers' run to the 2004 NBA Finals. Notable performances in this jersey include a 45-point game against the Warriors and a 42-point game against the Spurs.

Previously auctioned by the Lakers in 2017, the item is expected to command several million dollars. The auction is scheduled to close on November 8, following a debut at ComplexCon in Los Angeles.