Heritage Auctions is making waves in the sports memorabilia world with its exclusive “Treasures from Planet Hollywood” auction, headlined by a unique piece of NBA history: Shaquille O’Neal’s complete Los Angeles Lakers uniform from the 1996-97 season. This iconic jersey and shorts combo carries a rich legacy, having been worn by O’Neal during Kobe Bryant’s very first NBA game on November 3, 1996, marking the beginning of a legendary basketball partnership.
The auction, featuring over 1,600 distinctive items ranging from cinematic props to famous costumes once housed in Planet Hollywood locations worldwide, is drawing attention from avid collectors and sports enthusiasts alike. This particular uniform has garnered significant interest due to its historical importance and association with two basketball icons.
Following O’Neal’s highly-publicized move from the Orlando Magic to the Lakers on a lucrative seven-year, $121 million deal, the star athlete emphasized his passion for the sport over financial pursuits, a sentiment that resonated with fans and sponsors alike, including Pepsi and Reebok.
Crafted to accommodate O’Neal’s imposing 7’1″ physique, the uniform boasts a jersey size of 56 and shorts size of 50. Authenticated and photo-matched to Bryant’s NBA debut as well as multiple games throughout the season, the garment serves as a tangible link to O’Neal’s dominant on-court performances during that era.
During his tenure with the Lakers, O’Neal played a pivotal role in securing three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002, with each victory seeing him crowned as the Finals MVP. The battle-worn uniform, showcasing signs of wear such as frayed threads on the numbers, witnessed firsthand the team’s rise to glory and remains a symbol of their success.
With bidding for this remarkable piece of sports memorabilia rapidly approaching the $100,000 mark, inclusive of the buyer’s premium, anticipation is high for the auction’s live finale on Saturday. Collectors and NBA aficionados alike are seizing this rare opportunity to capture a piece of Lakers and NBA history, immortalizing the legacy of O’Neal and Bryant’s iconic partnership.
