Bryant goodbye bling includes $38,000 hat
Kobe Bryant. AP FILE PHOTO
Well-heeled fans will be able to remember Kobe Bryant in style after the five-time NBA champion plays his last game for the Los Angeles Lakers next week.
Anschutz Entertainment Group, which runs the Staples Center arena and its merchandise, on Thursday unveiled a flock of limited-edition items, leading with a gold-encrusted cap that costs $38,024.
All of the items feature Bryant’s jersey number 24. Some, such as snakeskin texture jerseys ($424) give a nod to his “Black Mamba” nickname, his five titles or his record-setting 81-point game.
In synch with the Lakers’ “Showtime” tradition, the “24 Collection” offers plenty of bling.
The $38,024 hat is made of lambskin and snakeskin—another “Black Mamba” reference, and contains 3.5 ounces of 18-karat gold in the shape of the number 24 on the cap’s front.
Only eight were made, and for those looking for something a little less pricey, there’s a purple diamond cashmere cap for $24,008.
Caps commemorating the still-astonishing 81-point game a decade ago feature Swarovski crystals and Bryant’s points per quarter on the side.
Some of the items in the collection—which also includes pins, coins and jackets—were going on sale through the Lakers’ online store on Thursday night, while others were to be made available at Bryant’s final game at the Staples Center, next Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.
The merchandise is licensed by the NBA and Bryant’s company, Kobe Inc.
