A game jersey worn by Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James on July 12 earned the highest bid of all rookie players in an auction on Friday conducted by Sotheby’s, according to The Athletic.
James’ jersey fetched a winning bid of $38,400 in the “Summer League Selects” auction, surpassing the estimated sell price of $6,000-$10,000. The figure topped other first-year players, such as Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher ($3,360) and Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard ($15,600).
Last year, the jersey San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama wore in his summer league debut sold for $62,020 in auction. The jersey the eventual Rookie of the Year winner donned in his regular-season debut went for $762,000.
James, the eldest son of teammate LeBron James, was the 55th pick after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 36.6% shooting from the field last season as a freshman at USC. He scored in double figures three times, including a season-high 15 points and three assists on Dec. 30.
The 19-year-old debuted with the Lakers in summer league, averaging seven points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and one steal on 32.7% shooting from the field in six appearances between San Francisco and Las Vegas. He turned in his best game on July 18 with 13 points and five rebounds.
