The ball Kobe Bryant used to win his first-ever NBA championship just fetched a small fortune on the auction block.
Officials at Sotheby’s said after two weeks of bidding on the artifact — which was autographed by Bryant and some of his Lakers teammates, including Shaquille O’Neal, following Los Angeles’ victory over the Pacers in the 2000 NBA Finals — the piece ultimately sold for $508,000.
The hefty price tag set an auction record — it’s now the most expensive championship-clinching ball ever. The previous mark had been held by the Oklahoma City Thunder, whose 2025 title prize went for $107,950.
The basketball Kobe Bryant used to win his first-ever championship in 2000 sold for over $500,000 at auction on Thursday. Sotheby'sSotheby’s said the ball, photomatched by experts, was used throughout their 116-111 Game 6 victory over the Pacers at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
During the June 19, 2000 tilt, Bryant scored 26 points and added 10 rebounds and four assists. O’Neal poured in 41 points with 12 rebounds and four blocks. The five-point win gave the duo its first championships of their illustrious careers.
The Game 6 win in the 2000 NBA Finals gave Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal their first-ever NBA championships. AFP via Getty Images
Bryant would go on to win five. O’Neal ended his 19-year career with four.
The victory also gave the Lakers their first ring since 1988.
Bryant, who died in a 2020 helicopter crash, said following the win it was “everything and more.”
“Lakers colors falling from the ceiling, the fans going crazy,” Bryant said, “I got the hat on and everything covering my fro, it feels great.”
Kobe Bryant won a total of five NBA titles in his career, while Shaquille O’Neal netted four. NBAE via Getty ImagesA second Lakers championship ball — the one Bryant and O’Neal used to win the 2001 NBA Finals — also sold on the Sotheby’s block on Thursday for $317,500.
