Kobe Bryant Sued: Lakers Star And Mom, Pamela, Involved In Lawsuit Over Memorabilia Auction
Just days after the end Los Angeles Lakers 2012-2013 season, their biggest star is in the midst of a legal battle.
Kobe Bryant now finds himself in a lawsuit involving his mother, over some of his memorabilia. Pamela Bryant, Kobe’s mom, is looking to sell items that her son accrued during his basketball career. She claims Kobe gave them to her, but the Lakers guard is looking to prevent her from selling his things.
Kobe issued a cease-and-desist letter to the auctioneer, Goldin Auctions L.L.C. of West Berlin, when he found out his mother’s plans. The company paid Pamela $450,000 in advance in order to help sell the items.
In response, Goldin Auctions is suing Kobe and asking a judge to name his mother as the owner of the memorabilia. The hearing day has been set for May 20.
According to insidesocal.com, the biggest item that would be up for auction is Kobe’s jersey and shorts from Lower Merion High School. His uniform is just one of over 100 pieces of memorabilia that would be available for purchase. Other items at the auction a 1996 High School McDonald’s All-American ring, a 1998 and 2000 NBA All-Star ring and a team issued 2000 Lakers championship ring Kobe had made for his father, Joe Bryant.
TMZ reports that Pamela plans to use the advance given to her by Goldin Auctions to buy a new house.
The lawsuit claims that Kobe clearly stated he was transferring his property to his mother. The basketball player’s attorney though says Pamela does not lawfully own the memorabilia.
Goldin Auctions is looking to recoup the advance it gave to Bryant’s mother, as well as the 20 percent commission it has lost on potential sales, according to USA Today.
Pamela Bryant reportedly has possession of approximately 900 of her son's items that are worth an estimated $1.5 million.
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