We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases from eBay or other partners. Please help support a small business. Read more about us.
Hello! If you’re looking for a list of the best Kobe Bryant rookie basketball cards, then you’ve come to the right place.
Kobe Bryant rookie cards are some of the most popular and sought-after items among basketball collectors.
Kobe was drafted into the NBA straight out of high school, and his debut season was nothing short of extraordinary. Kobe quickly became one of the league's most exciting players, and his rookie cards reflected his massive potential.
Kobe Bryant is renowned by many as one of the greatest players of his generation, and his career achievements speak for themselves.
Five NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, an NBA MVP award, and a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame – Kobe Bryant's list of accomplishments is impressive to say the least.
Any Kobe Bryant fan worth their salt knows that his rookie cards are some of the most valuable on the market.
If you're lucky enough to own one of Kobe's rookie cards, you've got a true treasure on your hands.
FAQs
The rookie cards we select for our lists are judged based on 3 criteria:
- Design / Aesthetics
- Price
- Rarity
At Sports Card Sharks, we tend to go against the grain. We typically aren’t buying what everyone else is buying when everyone else is buying it, so if you’re moving with the masses this may not be the right list for you. Adios!
Our Founder is an 80's baby that grew up in the 90's collecting sports cards during the junk wax era.
While card collecting when on hiatus for a couple of decades, that passion was re-sparked in 2020 and we haven't looked back since.
We spend countless hours researching each player and constructing these posts to help you save time and energy so that you can focus on the fun part which is collecting!
Why We Love Kobe Bryant
- 5X NBA Champion
- 2X NBA Finals MVP
- NBA Most Valuable Player
- 18X NBA All-Star
Our List of the Top Kobe Bryant Rookie Cards
1. 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #138
The Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome and Topps Chrome Refractors are the Holy Grails of Kobe Bryant rookie cards.
Also Check Out: Steph Curry
2. 1996 Topps Finest Gold Refractor Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #269
The Topps Finest Gold Refractor is my personal favorite of the Kobe Bryant rookie card collection. I don't own it yet, but I will! I love how the gold border ties into the Lakers gold and purple color scheme.
Also Check Out: Allen Iverson
3. 1996 Fleer Ultra Gold Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #G52
Another Kobe Bryant rookie card where the color scheme just works. The Gold Medallion version of this card is a short print which makes it highly desirable.
Also Check Out: Kevin Durant
4. 1996 Skybox E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #30
Kobe's Skybox E-X2000 really brings the shimmer. It's a great looking card for any Kobe fan or collector.
Also Check Out: Michael Jordan
5. 1996 Flair Showcase Row 0 Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #31
The Flair sports card sets of the 1990's often show up on our lists. We love the double imagery on these Showcase cards.
Also Check Out: Shaq
6. 1996 Fleer Metal Precious Metal Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #181
I started collecting cards in the 90's and I was completely obsessed with the Fleer Metal series. Others may not agree, but I think these cards are badass. Get one for yourself today!
Also Check Out: LeBron James
7. 1996-97 SP Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #134
Every time I see this card, I can't help but think about the fact that Kobe was probably thinking about how he was about to dominate the league. He's got that "I'm the shit and I know it" look on his face.
Also Check Out: Chris Paul
8. 1996-97 Upper Deck Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #58
Another iconic Kobe rookie makes the list. I still can't believe they used a photo where his glasses are blurred but hey, I guess it makes it unique!
Also Check Out: Giannis Antetokounmpo
9. 1996-97 Skybox Premium Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #55
We love the photography used on the Skybox Premium Kobe rookie. There is something about the reverse layup shot that just looks sick.
Also Check Out: Anthony Edwards
Affiliate Disclaimer: The links in the article contain affiliate links and we receive a small commission for any purchase made on eBay. We appreciate your support!
Financial Disclaimer: If you're investing in sports cards as an alternative investment, please do your own research and do so at your own risk. We are not financial advisors and this is not financial advice.
About the Author:
Trevor Weitzel is the founder of Sports Card Sharks. His pro sports teams are the Timberwolves, Vikings and Twins (which is rough). If we’re talking college then we’re only talking the University of Arizona Wildcats – BEAR DOWN! He is also an avid reseller, crypto enthusiast, and digital marketer.