In a remarkable auction event that captivated sports enthusiasts worldwide, the iconic sneakers worn by basketball legend Kobe Bryant during the historic 2013 game where he famously tore his Achilles tendon have fetched a staggering price of $660,000 (£532,000).
The electrifying match saw Bryant, donning the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers, face off against the Golden State Warriors with unparalleled determination. Despite suffering a debilitating injury that would have sidelined most players, Bryant displayed unwavering grit and resilience as he remained on the court to sink two crucial free throws, etching his name further into the annals of basketball history.
Describing the significance of the game, auction house Sotheby’s aptly noted, “There is no moment in Kobe’s career more emblematic of the ‘Mamba Mentality’ than ‘The Achilles Game’,” a testament to Bryant’s unmatched tenacity and fierce competitiveness.
Tragically, Bryant’s life was cut short at the age of 41 in a devastating helicopter crash in January 2020, which also claimed the lives of eight others, including his beloved daughter Gianna. The auctioning of these iconic sneakers serves as a poignant reminder of the indelible legacy left behind by the Basketball Hall of Famer.
The fateful game on April 12, 2013, unfolded with a series of painful incidents for Bryant, then 34 years old. Early in the second half, the shooting guard hyperextended his knee, forcing him to soldier on with evident discomfort. Despite the adversity, his unwavering spirit was on full display.
With just three minutes remaining in the game, Bryant suffered another blow, falling and clutching his left heel in agony. Reflecting on the moment of injury, Bryant candidly shared, “As soon as I made the move, I knew it. It feels like the shock absorbers in the back of your foot are just gone.”
Undeterred by the excruciating pain, Bryant resiliently returned to the court after a brief respite on the bench, mustering the strength to sink two critical free throws. The display of sheer determination and perseverance endeared him even further to fans and solidified his reputation as one of the game’s all-time greats.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Lakers strategically fouled to halt the game momentarily, allowing Bryant to seek urgent treatment in the locker room. Remarkably, despite the injury, Bryant concluded the game with an impressive 34 points, leading his team to a narrow 118-116 victory over Steph Curry’s formidable Warriors.
Sotheby’s had initially estimated the value of the Nike Kobe 8 Elite sneakers to fall within the range of $600,000 (£483,000) to $800,000 (£645,000), underscoring the immense cultural and historical significance attached to these coveted memorabilia.
The auction of Bryant’s personal
