Half a million dollars for the ball for the first title of the Kobe/Shak duo
On June 19, 2000. Kobe Bryantoverjoyed, he rushes to throw himself into a hug Shaquille O’Neal. Carrying their two stars, the Lakers had just won their first title of the 2000 era, against the Pacers.
These events reappear 25 years later, as the ball used that night went up for auction, chez Sotheby’s. For a very, very high sum: $508,000! By comparison, this is more than what some players on “two-way contracts” are getting this season in the big leagues.
Signed by all members of the California team, the ball in question, used during the sixth round of this final, is symbolic in more ways than one. This Game 6 marked a huge double performance by the O’Neal-Bryant duo: 41 points and 12 rebounds for the pivot, 26 points and 10 rebounds for the guard.
It’s the first title the Lakers have won since 1988. But it’s also the first joint trophy for two superstars, launched towards a hat trick and later in a personal collection of rings: a total of five for Kobe Bryant, four for Shaquille O’Neal.
This sale is falling apart auction record for a title ball, surpassing the previous mark of $107,950 set during the Thunder’s 2025 NBA title run.
2025-12-12 08:17:00
