Kobe Bryant

Market outlook

Stable Outlook 5/10

Kobe's enduring legacy sustains baseline demand post-2020 passing surge; no major price jumps in last 30 days per SportsCardInvestor; high supply keeps it steady

Next months. Stable with minor fluctuations from Lakers success or grading submissions

Long term. Modest appreciation for high-grade copies as supply grades out; base remains accessible entry point

History

Kobe Bryant, legendary Los Angeles Lakers guard, drafted 13th overall in 1996 at age 17 straight from high school. By 1999, in his third NBA season, he was emerging as a superstar, winning his first of five championships in 2000. This card captures him during his early athletic prime, known for acrobatic dunks and scoring prowess, later earning five NBA titles, 18 All-Star nods, and iconic 'Black Mamba' mentality.

Released in August 1999 as part of Fleer Mystique basketball set, distributed in hobby boxes across North America

• One of Kobe's key non-rookie cards from his early career
• Base version from innovative Mystique set with foil/refractor-like effects
• Print run listed as /2999 in some tracking sources, though SportsCardsPro notes n/a

Rarity and print run

Tier

Common

Print run

Very High

First printed in

1999 Fleer Mystique

Demand

Medium

Supply

High

• High print run estimated /2999
• Base card from larger set, not parallel or insert
• Abundant ungraded population due to original wax packaging

Collector notes

Condition. Check for foil scratching, centering issues common on edges, surface scratches on Mystique foil, corner wear from wax pack pulls, print defects on borders

Storage. Toploader with soft sleeve in cool, dry place; avoid direct light to prevent foil oxidation; use semi-rigid holders for graded slabs

Authenticity. Verify foil pattern and holo effect under light - fakes often have dull or inconsistent shimmer; check card stock thickness and Fleer copyright; graded/graded/graded grading recommended; cross-reference eBay ePID 21056581881