Heritage Auctions is gearing up for an electrifying sale in its “Treasures from Planet Hollywood” auction, featuring a prized possession from the NBA world: Shaquille O’Neal’s full Los Angeles Lakers uniform from the 1996-97 season. This ensemble is not just any old sports gear; it holds a special place in basketball lore as the very outfit worn by O’Neal during Kobe Bryant’s maiden NBA appearance on November 3, 1996, marking the commencement of a dynamic duo destined for greatness.
This auction is the crown jewel in an extensive collection encompassing over 1,600 distinctive items, including items such as movie props and famous costumes that were previously housed in various Planet Hollywood establishments worldwide.
Following his much-publicized move from the Orlando Magic to the Lakers with a landmark seven-year deal worth $121 million, O’Neal emphasized his passion for the game over financial considerations, a sentiment further reinforced by his associations with sponsors like Pepsi and Reebok.
Crafted to snugly fit O’Neal’s towering 7’1″ frame, with a jersey size of 56 and shorts size of 50, this uniform has been verified and photo-matched not just to Bryant’s initial NBA game but also to five additional matches from the same season, highlighting O’Neal’s dominant on-court prowess.
During his illustrious stint with the Lakers, which witnessed the team securing three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002, with O’Neal being named Finals MVP for each triumph, this uniform bore witness to the genesis of their triumphant era. The garment exhibits visible signs of wear from the battles on the hardwood, including fraying threads on the numbers, and was originally sourced directly from the Lakers organization.
Enthusiasm for this monumental sports memorabilia piece has reached a fever pitch, with bids swiftly approaching the $100,000 mark, inclusive of the buyer’s premium. The auction is poised for a thrilling culmination during a live finale on Saturday, offering avid collectors a rare opportunity to seize a tangible slice of Lakers and NBA history that is sure to become a cherished asset.
