Kobe Bryant Signed 1999 Los Angeles Lakers Game Issued Jersey UDA & JSA COA
A Kobe Signed 1999 Los Angeles Lakers Game Issued Jersey sits in a very specific corner of the hobby. It combines a young Kobe, a signature backed by Upper Deck and James Spence, and a jersey that was issued for use but is not claimed as game worn.
The Amazon listing shows a price of $20,037.59. That is a serious amount of money, so the details matter. This guide explains what each term means, what the listing does and does not tell you, and how to protect yourself before you buy.
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Key Takeaways
- This is a signed, game issued Lakers jersey, not a game worn one
- UDA and JSA are the names behind the authenticity
- The listed price is $20,037.59, and the listing leaves out size and style
- Verify the hologram and the certificate before paying
- Compare sold prices instead of relying on the asking price
What is Kobe Signed 1999 Los Angeles Lakers Game Issued Jersey
This item is an autographed Los Angeles Lakers jersey signed by Kobe Bryant. It is described as a 1999 game issued jersey. Authentication is tied to UDA (Upper Deck Authenticated) and JSA (James Spence Authentication), and the listing refers to a COA, or certificate of authenticity.
The listing is brief. It does not state the jersey size, the number, the style, or the exact season it was issued for. Treat those as questions to ask the seller before paying.
Why 1999 Matters in Kobe’s Career
The 1999 season was short. A lockout cut the 1998-99 NBA schedule to 50 games, and play did not begin until February. Kobe was still early in his career. He had been drafted in 1996, and during those years he wore number 8 for the Lakers.
The bigger shift came right after. The Lakers hired Phil Jackson in the summer of 1999, and the team won its first title of the Kobe era in 2000. A jersey tied to 1999 sits right before that run. That timing is a large part of the appeal.
If you want the full jersey landscape, read our guide to the Kobe Bryant Lakers jersey, including numbers, types, and value.
Game Issued vs Game Used
Game issued means the jersey was issued to a team or player for the season. Game used means there is evidence it was worn in an actual game. A game issued jersey is not claimed to have been worn by Kobe in a game.
That difference changes value. Game used pieces normally carry stronger provenance and usually command more money. The listing itself notes that a hologram is not included if a product is unsigned or non game-used, so read that line closely.
| Feature | Game Issued | Game Used |
|---|---|---|
| Issued to team or player | Yes | Yes |
| Worn in a real game | Not claimed | Yes, with evidence |
| Needs photo or provenance proof | Less | More |
| Typical value | Lower | Higher |
UDA and JSA Explained
Two names carry the authenticity story here: Upper Deck Authenticated and James Spence Authentication. They are separate companies, and each plays a different role.
What UDA Means
UDA stands for Upper Deck Authenticated, the memorabilia arm of Upper Deck. Upper Deck was a major source of signed Kobe Bryant items, and its authentication programs added numbered holograms and records to signed pieces. A UDA reference tells you who stood behind the signing.
What JSA Does
JSA is James Spence Authentication, one of the better known third-party authenticators in the hobby. Its experts review autographs and issue certificates. The listing names JSA as the authenticity provider, and it says autographed items include an individually numbered, tamper-evident hologram.
What a COA Can and Cannot Prove
A COA is a certificate of authenticity. It supports the claim that a signature is genuine, but it does not prove everything. Always match the certificate number to the hologram, and confirm the number in the authenticator’s own lookup tool if one is available. A certificate on its own is only paper.
Price and Value
The Amazon listing shows $20,037.59, and prices on live listings change. I did not find reliable public sale data for this exact item, so I will not invent a market range. Treat the listing as an asking price, not a proven value.
To judge value, compare it against recent sold results for similar Kobe Bryant signed jerseys, and check the same authenticator, jersey type, and condition. Our signed Kobe Bryant jersey cost and authentication guide is a good place to start.
How to Buy Safely
Start with the seller. Then verify the certificate, the hologram, and the jersey. Ask for clear photos of the signature, the hologram, and every tag. Do not rush at this price level.
- ☐ Hologram number matches the COA number
- ☐ Certificate verified through the authenticator
- ☐ Size, number, and jersey style confirmed in writing
- ☐ Clear photos of signature, tags, and stitching
- ☐ Seller return policy read and saved
- ☐ Insured shipping with tracking
- ☐ Price compared with recent sold listings
Want the bigger picture on authenticity? Read our walkthrough on how to buy an authentic autographed Kobe Bryant jersey safely.
Pros and Cons
- Kobe Bryant signature
- UDA and JSA names attached
- Tied to the 1999 era
- Numbered hologram on signed items, per the listing
- Not claimed as game worn
- High asking price
- Listing lacks size and style details
- No verified sale history found
Common Mistakes
- Treating game issued as game used
- Trusting a COA without checking the hologram number
- Skipping questions about size and jersey style
- Paying the asking price without comparing sold listings
- Choosing the cheapest seller instead of the most transparent one
Care and Display
Keep the jersey out of direct sunlight, because UV light can fade ink and fabric. Use a UV-protective frame and acid-free materials. Avoid humid rooms and never use tape or adhesive on the jersey. Store the COA separately and keep digital copies.
FAQs
What is a Kobe Bryant signed 1999 Lakers game issued jersey?
It is an autographed Los Angeles Lakers jersey signed by Kobe Bryant and described as a 1999 game issued piece. Authentication is tied to UDA and JSA, with a certificate of authenticity.
How much does this Kobe Bryant jersey cost?
The Amazon listing shows $20,037.59. Prices change, so check the live listing and compare it with recent sold results before buying.
What does game issued mean on a jersey?
Game issued means the jersey was issued to a team or player for use. It does not claim the player wore it in an actual game.
Is game issued the same as game used?
No. Game used means there is evidence the jersey was worn in a real game. Game issued does not make that claim, and game used pieces usually carry higher value.
What do UDA and JSA mean in sports memorabilia?
UDA stands for Upper Deck Authenticated, and JSA stands for James Spence Authentication. They are separate companies that support the authenticity of signed items.
Does a COA guarantee a signature is real?
No. A certificate of authenticity supports the claim but is not a guarantee. Match the certificate number to the hologram and verify it with the authenticator when possible.
Does this jersey come with a hologram?
The listing says autographed items include an individually numbered, tamper-evident hologram, and that unsigned or non game-used items do not. Ask the seller to confirm what comes with this exact jersey.
What number did Kobe Bryant wear in 1999?
Kobe wore number 8 with the Lakers in 1999. He switched to number 24 later in his career. Always confirm the number on the actual jersey you are considering.
How can I verify a Kobe Bryant autograph?
Check the hologram number against the COA, look it up with the authenticator, and request close photos of the signature. Compare the details with known authenticated examples.
Is a signed Kobe Bryant jersey a good investment?
There are no guarantees. Values depend on authenticity, jersey type, condition, and demand. Buy because you value the piece, and compare sold prices first.
Where can I buy a signed Kobe Bryant jersey safely?
Choose sellers with clear return policies, detailed photos, and verifiable authentication. Avoid listings with vague descriptions or missing paperwork.
