Two days after Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash with his daughter Gianna, a search for his name on Nike’s website turned up almost nothing. Lakers gift cards came up, and a link redirected to a page titled “In Memory: Kobe Bryant.”
ESPN reported that Nike had pulled Bryant gear after his death. A company representative told Forbes otherwise: the products were simply sold out. Nike signed Bryant to a sneaker deal in 2003 and had launched the Kobe V Protro Chaos in North America on Jan. 3. His contract was estimated at $16 million a year.
The Lakers website had no Kobe apparel either. The NBA site was still selling his 8 and 24 jerseys at $300 each, with shipping promised before July 15.
The resale market
Prices elsewhere jumped. On StockX, the last sale of the Kobe 4 Protro Undefeated Phoenix Suns went for $450, up 58 percent. The Kobe 4 Protro Undefeated Los Angeles Lakers was listed from $449 to $4,000, and the Kobe 4 Protro Carpe Diem from $440 to $2,481.
On eBay, a pair of Nike Hyperdunk Supreme Kobe Bryant Lakers PE “Snakepools” was priced at $17,824, with a signed basketball thrown in. The listing was updated Sunday, the day of the crash, which also killed 13-year-old Gianna and seven others. A 1996 Topps Chrome #138 rookie card signed in blue Sharpie was listed for $1 million. Autographed, framed back-to-back championship jerseys were going for $24,800.
Nike’s statement
Nike said it was devastated. “Kobe was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball,” the company said. “He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever.”
Shaquille O’Neal, Barack Obama and Cardi B were among those who mourned him. The NBA postponed the Tuesday game between the Lakers and Clippers.
