A generation of basketball fans grew up with firsthand experience of Kobe Bryant’s greatness. As one of the fiercest competitors on the court, he became a cultural icon whose popularity parlayed into shoes and sports apparel.

His lasting impact remains even though it’s been six years since he passed away. That said, sports memorabilia bearing his authentic image and likeness could still be worth a fortune.

Therefore, as Cllct Media founder Darren Rovell predicted, a game-worn Kobe Bryant high school jersey could become a million-dollar collectible.

Sotheby’s will make Bryant’s Lower Merion High School game-worn jersey available for auction. For comparison, Goldin Auctions pulled $51,400 for the same jersey in 2013.

Rovell predicts that the final price for this jersey could be between $1 million and $2 million, at least 20 times higher than its previous value.

The jersey that launched Kobe Bryant’s legend

Before he became a five-time NBA champion and a one-time league Most Valuable Player, Bryant was a star for the Lower Merion Aces in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

He originally wore jersey No. 24 but switched to No. 33 during his junior year to honor his father, former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant.

During his senior year, Bryant and the Aces won the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAAA state championship.

Meanwhile, his averages of 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4.0 steals, and 3.8 blocks per game earned him the 1996 Gatorade National Player of the Year and USA Today National High School Player of the Year honors.

His exemplary performance in high school made him only the sixth player in NBA history to jump from high school to the pros.

However, though the Charlotte Hornets initially drafted him, Bryant went to the Los Angeles Lakers via a trade initiated by Basketball Hall of Famer and former Lakers general manager Jerry West.

From there, he went on to have a legendary career with the Lakers. Despite being floated in trade rumors throughout his career, Bryant ended up playing his entire NBA career with the Lakers.