Kobe Bryant. AP
Classic basketball memorabilia will always possess high monetary value among fans and collectors alike, especially if it belongs to one of the greatest men to ever play the sport, Kobe Bryant.
Unfortunately for the Black Mamba’s alma mater, Lower Merion High School, several high-profile items once used by the Laker great has been reportedly stolen from their campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
According to Bleacher Report, valuable memorabilia including a framed replica of Bryant’s Lower Merion jersey—the Aces’ 1996 PIAA Boys Basketball State Championship trophy and net from the title game—along with several pairs of Nike sneakers signed by Bryant, were taken in a blatant burglary attempt.
“We’re bummed,” the school’s director of community relations and a former high school teammate of Bryant’s, Doug Young, described the unfortunate incident.
“It’s a replica jersey; it’s not even the jersey he wore in high school. I’m not sure what someone would do with a state championship trophy. For us, the items are important because they represent some really wonderful memories,” he added.
Earlier investigations suggest that thieves broke into Lower Merion High School’s Bryant Gymnasium on Monday night (Tuesday in Manila) and targeted the Kobe Bryant shrine where his prized possessions were displayed.
Officials are currently reviewing surveillance videos and are requesting everyone to be on the lookout for anyone looking to make a quick cash by selling it online.
Young, meanwhile, said the school is already overwhelmed by the amount of support they received from the entire Lower Merion community, adding that they have also reached out to Bryant regarding the incident.
“We’ve heard from alumni who want to donate another program or have a pair of sneakers to give back to us; we’ve heard from Kobe, too, saying whatever can be done to help, certainly he’ll do. So we’ll replace the items as best we can, but no one’s ever going to take away the memories and excitement that we shared from those great moments,” he said.
Bryant, who retired from the NBA last season, finished his phenomenal high school career with 2,883 points, which broke the previous scoring record from Philadelphia-area schools set by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain at 2,252.
The 38-year-old went straight out of high school to the NBA in 1996 and went on to become one of the most decorated players in league history. Khristian Ibarrola