Kobe Bryant's Rare No. 8 Lakers Jersey from 2004 NBA Finals Run Heads to Auction

A game-worn Kobe Bryant jersey from his 2003-04 season, notably bearing an NBA Finals patch, is set to go up for auction with The Realest, potentially fetching millions of dollars. This jersey marks a significant piece of Lakers history as it is the only No. 8 Bryant jersey featuring such a patch to be offered on the market.

Bryant wore the jersey during at least 17 documented games in the 2003-04 season, a period in which the Lakers achieved a remarkable 16-1 record, including an undefeated 8-0 playoff record. The jersey was on his back for all three Western Conference series-clinching victories en route to the 2004 NBA Finals.

This particular season also holds mythological significance as it was during 2003-04 that Bryant cultivated his iconic "Black Mamba" persona. It was also his final playoff run alongside Shaquille O'Neal.

Highlights of Bryant's performances in this jersey include a season-high 45 points against the Warriors, a notable circus shot against the Rockets, and a 42-point game against the Spurs in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals.

The jersey was previously auctioned by the Lakers on Bryant's jersey retirement night in 2017 and has not been available publicly since. It will be unveiled at ComplexCon in Los Angeles on October 3-4 before traveling to Asia. The auction is scheduled to conclude on November 8.