Heritage Auctions has unveiled a truly remarkable gem for basketball and sports memorabilia enthusiasts – Shaquille O’Neal’s complete Los Angeles Lakers uniform from the 1996-97 NBA season. This iconic uniform carries historical weight as it was worn by O’Neal during Kobe Bryant’s debut game on November 3, 1996, marking the birth of a legendary partnership in the basketball world.
Part of the “Treasures from Planet Hollywood” auction, this uniform is an integral highlight among a horde of over 1,600 peculiar items, ranging from movie props to famous costumes previously exhibited across various Planet Hollywood venues worldwide.
Following his high-profile move from the Orlando Magic to the Lakers on a groundbreaking seven-year, $121 million contract, O’Neal emphasized his passion for the game rather than financial gain, a principle echoed in his endorsements with major brands like Pepsi and Reebok.
Crafted to fit O’Neal’s towering 7’1″ physique, with a jersey size of 56 and shorts size of 50, this authenticated uniform not only represents Bryant’s NBA debut but also at least five other games during that monumental season, revealing O’Neal’s dominant presence on the court.
During his tenure with the Lakers, which witnessed the team capturing three consecutive NBA titles from 2000 to 2002, with O’Neal securing the Finals MVP trophy each time, this uniform was a silent spectator to the genesis of their golden era. Bearing well-worn marks and loose threads on the numbers, signs of O’Neal’s fierce battles on the court are vividly imprinted on this garment, originally sourced directly from the Lakers organization.
Public interest in this historical sports artifact has surged dramatically, with bidding approaches nearing the $100,000 mark, inclusive of the buyer’s premium. The auction is poised for an exhilarating live finale on Saturday, inviting avid collectors to seize this unprecedented opportunity to possess a tangible slice of Lakers and NBA history that reverberates with the essence of monumental sporting milestones.
