Wilt Chamberlain’s jersey from the 1972 NBA Finals is expected to fetch over $4 million at an upcoming auction at Sotheby’s. It is considered to be the most valuable piece of his memorabilia to ever go on sale.
The jersey is the one he wore during the Lakers’ championship-clinching Game 5 victory over the New York Knicks. Chamberlain’s standout performance in that game, recording 24 points, 29 rebounds, and eight blocks, helped the Lakers secure a 114-100 win. Chamberlain was named the Finals MVP and, at the age of 35, became the oldest player at that time to receive the award.
“This jersey holds great significance in the history of Los Angeles, not only because it was worn by one of the greatest players to ever grace the court, but also as a relic from one of the greatest franchises in sports history,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectibles.
Adding to the impressiveness of Chamberlain’s performance in Game 5 is the fact that he played with a broken hand. Initially believed to be a strain, Chamberlain later discovered the truth after getting X-rays. However, he chose to keep it a secret and played through the pain. Only he and his doctor knew about the injury. “At that time, I honestly felt that [I] couldn’t play on Sunday, couldn’t bend it. But with an anti-inflammatory injection and ice packs, it improved,” Chamberlain revealed in an interview with The New York Times.
The most expensive Chamberlain memorabilia item sold to date is a jersey he wore during his rookie season with the Philadelphia Warriors, which fetched $1.79 million in June.
The online bidding for Chamberlain’s 1972 NBA Finals jersey will take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 27. The jersey will also be on display at Sotheby’s Los Angeles gallery from Aug. 2 to Aug. 31, according to the Associated Press.
