Before Kobe Bryant became a star for the Los Angeles Lakers, he was the nation’s top high school player, starring at Philadelphia’s Lower Merion. Kobe led his high school to a state championship and won numerous National Player of the Year awards.
As one would expect, Lower Merion created ‘The Kobe Showcase’ which commemorated Kobe’s time there and his legendary senior season.
Unfortunately, someone broke into the high school and stole many different pieces of Kobe memorabilia, according to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News:
“Several pieces of Bryant’s memorabilia were stolen on Sunday night from what the school called “The Kobe Showcase.” Those items included a framed replica of his No. 33 jersey, the Aces’ 1996 state championship trophy and net, programs from the state and district title games, a proclamation from the Pennsylvania State House honoring the 1996 team as well as several pairs of signed Nike sneakers by the Lakers’ star.”
Lower Merion’s spokesman added that the incident is heartbreaking for the school:
“It’s pretty heartbreaking,” Lower Merion spokesman Doug Young said in a phone interview. “Mostly these are items of nostalgia; it’s not so much the monetary value. they represent an exciting and memorable time for all of us.”
It is sad that someone would steal these things. In all likelihood, someone is looking to make some money off of these things by selling them.
Lower Merion’s principal and athletic director said they would make their best effort to restore and enhance the items that were stolen.
