"Championship-clinching basketballs from the 2000 NBA Finals - Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal's first title together and the Lakers' first title since 1988 - and the 2001 NBA Finals, the second in the Lakers' three-peat, sold for $508,000 and $317,500 respectively at Sotheby's. The balls are both signed by at least a dozen Lakers -- the 2000 ball is signed by both Bryant and O'Neal, while the 2001 ball is signed by just Bryant. Both balls include photo-matching letters from companies MeiGray and Sports Investors Authentication, as well as letters from Professional Sports Authenticator verifying authenticity of the signatures."
"In the same auction, a pair of game-worn and signed Michael Jordan "Air Ship" sneakers from his rookie season, worn on December 2, 1984 -- Jordan's first matchup with Magic Johnson, a 113-112 Bulls victory -- sold for $698,500. A complete set of six Chicago Bulls title rings, owned by longtime Bulls security guard John Capps, pulled in $406,400 and Shohei Ohtani's signed jersey from 2024 Jackie Robinson Day brought in $330,200."
"The Jordan sneakers include photo-matching letters from MeiGray and SIA, as well as an authentication letter from PSA on Jordan's signature. The rings feature Capps name on the side, while the Ohtani jersey features stickers from MeiGray and MLB Authenticated, as well as Fanatics regarding the veracity of the signature."
Two championship-clinching Lakers basketballs from the 2000 and 2001 NBA Finals sold at Sotheby's for $508,000 and $317,500, respectively. The 2000 ball, signed by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal among others, set a record for championship-clinching balls, surpassing a 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder finals ball that sold for $107,950. Other notable sales included Michael Jordan's game-worn, signed 1984 "Air Ship" rookie sneakers for $698,500; a complete set of six Chicago Bulls title rings for $406,400; and Shohei Ohtani's signed 2024 Jackie Robinson Day jersey for $330,200. Multiple items carried photo-matching letters and third-party authentication.
Read at ESPN.com
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