Rare Pair of Sneakers Kobe Bryant Gifted LeBron James in 2002 Going up For Auction

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant gifted a pair of sneakers to LeBron James in 2002. It happened right before one of the king’s greatest high school games. LeBron has great memories of their times together. This is definitely one of the greatest moments Kobe and LeBron have ever shared. The sneakers Kobe gifted LeBron are now up for an auction.

“I think my most fond moment is he gave me his shoes when I was in high school,” the four-time NBA champion said. “I think I was playing in a tournament in Teaneck, N.J., and they were playing in the [2002] All-Star game in Philly. And I had an opportunity to go meet him, and he gave me a pair of his shoes, and I actually wore them in a game against Oak Hill, against Melo (Carmelo Anthony), actually.”

LeBron had an amazing performance that night. He finished the night with 36 points, and Melo scored 34. King James was a junior at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron. NBA stars and analysts took notice of his impeccable game. LeBron was already a big name.

The sneakers Kobe gifted LeBron have a special meaning

These shoes are actually a tribute to those who were lost in the 9/11 attack.

“The patriotic colorway displays the Stars and Stripes on the uppers, rubberized toe boxes, three-stripe motif on the midsoles/outer soles, Adidas on the inner tongues, and the Mamba silhouette on the insoles,” wrote Heritage Auctions. “The design was created to commemorate the loss of life in the recent 9/11 terror attacks. The custom shoes bear no interior tagging but exhibit fine game wear.

“Our consignor purchased these, and several other LeBron James items in this auction, from an estate sale in Akron, Ohio. Letter of provenance from consignor. LOA from Heritage Auctions.”

LeBron and Kobe weren’t the best friends back then. However, they got really close over the years. Kobe praised LeBron’s greatness. King James respected everything Kobe has accomplished in his great career.

The Black Mamba died in a horrible helicopter crash in Calabasas. LeBron couldn’t accept the loss. He was on the phone with Kobe shortly before the crash. The Los Angeles Lakers dedicated their 2020 title to the legend. It was the best tribute for Kobe.