Sneaker News In honor of the five-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s untimely death on January 26th, 2020, Sotheby’s is presenting an opportunity to own one of the most unique pieces of Kobe memorabilia–one that represents the defining moment of the Mamba Mentality.
On April 12th, 2013, Kobe Bryant went down with an apparent injury that, at first, seemed like a run-of-the-mill trip and fall. As it turned, it was far more severe than it initially had looked; Kobe had tore his Achilles. In true Mamba Mentality fashion, Kobe stayed in the game, limping to and from the bench, to sink two free throws before being taken out of the game for good.
Later that evening, Kobe took to Facebook to air out his grievances and frustrations, but during his rant, the world got to know exactly what the Mamba Mentality truly is.
Miraculously, Kobe Bryant made a comeback in December of that year. And although he was not longer the player he was once was, his determination and his ability to overcome the mental battles proved to be a massive inspiration for hoopers and athletes worldwide.
The exact size 14 shoes he wore on that fateful April 12th game will be up for auction from Sotheby’s as part of the upcoming The One exhibition on February 7th. Given the rarity of this Kobe 8 Elite “Laker Home” PE (they’re a true one of one) and its connection to a major moment in Kobe history, the auction house projects a sale between $600,000 to $800,000. The final bid could be much higher given how the jersey worn from that game sold for $1.2 million in June of 2024.
The full listing is available for view here; the shoes will be available for via at Sotheby’s The One sale in New York City on February 7th.
