Sneakers gifted to LeBron by Kobe in 2002 up for auction

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers has a moment on the sideline with former Laker Kobe Bryant in the second half during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
John McCoy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

A pair of sneakers LeBron James received from Kobe Bryant as a high schooler has hit the auction block.

The Adidas sneakers, which are being sold by Heritage Auctions, feature an American flag-themed colorway designed to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks. James wore the shoes in a game against Oak Hill Academy and Carmelo Anthony on Feb. 10, 2002.

"I think my most fond moment is (Bryant) gave me his shoes when I was in high school," James told ESPN's Dave McMenamin in 2016. "I think I was playing in a tournament in Teaneck, New Jersey, and they were playing in the (2002) All-Star game in Philly.

"And I had an opportunity to go meet him, and he gave me a pair of his shoes, and I actually wore them in a game against Oak Hill - against Melo, actually. So, six degrees of separation right there."

The shoes were discovered at an estate sale in Akron, Ohio, along with several other James-related items, according to Heritage Auctions.

The top bid is currently at $18,000 with 14 days remaining in the auction.


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