Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant, legendary Los Angeles Lakers guard, was drafted 13th overall in 1996 after high school stardom at Lower Merion; this 1997-98 card captures his explosive second NBA season, solidifying his Hall of Fame legacy as a 5-time champion and 18-time All-Star[2][5].

Released in 1997 as part of the Bowman's Best basketball set, marking one of Bryant's early flagship cards post-rookie year[2][5].

• Second-year card from Bryant's sophomore NBA season, highly sought by Lakers collectors[2][5]
• Base version lacks refractor or insert parallels, distinguishing it from premium variants like #88 Refractor[3]
• Iconic for capturing young Kobe's rise, though not his true rookie (Upper Deck 1996)[2]

Condition. Inspect edges for dings and corners for whitening, common on high-volume 90s cardboard; check for print defects or surface scratches on glossy finish[2][5].

Storage. Use semi-rigid holders or top-loaders with sleeves in cool, dry environment; avoid direct light to prevent fading.

Authenticity. Verify black borders and sharp registration; fakes often have blurry text or off-color printing; prefer graded/ISA/graded slabs for graded copies[2][3][4].