This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/2/2021
After the 1986 Fleer rookie card of Michael Jordan was produced and "His Airness" went on to complete a storybook career that remains unparalleled to this day, collectors thought that there would never be another mainstream issue that could come close to rivaling MJs debut pasteboard. And while the 1996 Topps Chrome rookie card of Kobe Bryant doesn't approach the Jordan in terms of value, it's quickly becoming one of the most popular basketball cards ever produced. It's been a little over a year since the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant sent shockwaves through American society, and as a two-time NBA scoring leader, Kobe presently ranks #4 all-time in scoring, just ahead of MJ. Kobe began his high school journey as the first freshman starter for Lower Merion high school's varsity team in decades but the squad finished a dismal 4-20 overall. Three years later, his Aces were state champions, their first title in over a half-century, and Kobe surpassed Wilt Chamberlain as the most prolific scorer in Delaware Valley history. Heavily recruited by Duke, Michigan, North Carolina and Villanova, Kobe decided to forego college and become only the 6th player in NBA history to make the jump directly to the pros after high schooler Kevin Garnett went in the first round of the 1995 NBA draft the previous year. If you haven't already done so, it's time to add a GEM MINT quality rookie card of "The Black Mamba" to your prized collection, and no specimen better represents the basketball legend than his 1996 Topps Chrome card. The silvery edges show no signs of chipping and the corners are absolutely untouched. A supreme initial cardboard appearance of the late, great Kobe Bryant.