Sports National Kobe Bryant’s MVP jersey could fetch up to $7m at auction

A rare Kobe Bryant jersey from the basketball star’s sole MVP season is going up for auction – and it could sell for up to $7 million.

An iconic photo of Bryant grabbing his jersey after clinching a 14-point lead against the Denver Nuggets during the 2008 NBA playoffs has been captured and recreated endless times.

Its likeness spans murals across Los Angeles and the United States, is frequently reprinted on Lakers memorabilia, and has become a symbol of the basketball star’s determination and passion.

This week, Sotheby’s is auctioning off the jersey captured in that image, with an estimated market value of between $5-7 million – the most valuable Bryant jersey to ever appear at auction, according to the auction house.

During his 2007-2008 season, Bryant averaged almost 28.3 points per game and scored 2323 points over the course of the regular season, according to the NBA.

The jersey up for auction is the only one he wore in the 2008 playoffs where he led the Lakers to the NBA finals for the first time since Shaquille O’Neal was traded, according to Sotheby’s.

The jersey sits front and center at the auction house’s exhibit, surrounded by other Bryant memorabilia and photography of murals and paintings of the iconic image of the Lakers star.

“It’s actually crazy pervasive, this image,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s vice president and head of streetwear and modern collectibles.

“He had so much passion and if you really look around this exhibit, you’ll see this image that’s associated with him – grabbing his shirt, in kind of elation, and it’s become so iconic,” Wachter told CNN.

The auction will take place shortly after the three-year anniversary of Bryant’s death, where he and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California in January 2020.

“We are always commemorating his legacy,” Wachter told CNN. “He meant so much to so many different people.”

RECORD BREAKING?

Within an hour of the sale opening, Sotheby’s received a $4.5 million bid, a representative from the auction house told CNN. If confirmed, it would be the highest price ever paid for a Bryant jersey.

The previous record is a basketball jersey from Bryant’s 1996-1997 season which sold for $3.7 million in 2021, according to Sotheby’s.

During his time in the NBA, Bryant won five championships, four NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, two NBA Finals MVPs and two Olympic gold medals. An 18time All-Star, he was known for his scoring ability and championship pedigree.

But Bryant’s impact was not just

Raphael Varane: France defender retires from international football

FRANCE and Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international football.

The 29-year-old, who won the World Cup in 2018, scored five goals in 93 appearances for his country after making his debut in 2013.

The last of his caps was won in the 2022 World Cup final, in which France were beaten by Argentina on penalties.

“Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” said Varane.

“Every time I wore this very special blue jersey I felt immense pride. The duty to give it all, play my heart out and win every time we put on the field.

“I’ve been contemplating this for several months and deciding it’s the right time for me to retire internationally.” on the court and, as Wachter said, “he touches people beyond the scope of basketball.”

Varane, who signed for United from Real Madrid in August 2021, is the latest Les Bleus player to retire after the World Cup.

In January, Tottenham goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris stepped down three weeks after the final.

Varane had been expected to take over the French captaincy from Lloris.

“As a child, I remember following France 98, this team, these players who made us experience indescribable emotions,” said Varane.

“He doesn’t just touch athletes, he touches executives, he touches businessmen who also want to be the best version of themselves,” he said, adding that his “constant quest to be the best version of yourself,” encapsulates Bryant’s self-labeled philosophy of the ‘Mamba Mentality.’

“When you think about his legacy, part of what he left the world was his mentality. And I think that’s what really makes Kobe so special, and that’s what makes this jersey special,” Wachter continued.

Bryant’s jersey will come with a collection of photos, artwork, books and more. The lot will be open for bidding February 2-9.

It will also be on public display at Sotheby’s New York during the first week of February. (CNN)

Mason Greenwood attempted rape charges dropped

Attempted rape and assault charges against Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood have been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, Greater Manchester Police have said.

He was arrested in January last year amid allegations surrounding images and videos that emerged online.

The 21-year-old, who has made one appearance for the senior England men’s team, had not played or trained with Manchester United since his arrest.

Nike also ended its sponsorship deal with him and Electronic Arts removed him from active squads on its Fifa 22 game. (BBC)