Kobe Bryant's Lakers locker goes on auction for estimated $1.5MILLION after almost being THROWN OUT in 2008

The locker used by Kobe Bryant during the majority of his Lakers career has gone on auction, with the piece of history being given an estimate between $1million and $1.5million.

Bryant, who passed away in a 2020 helicopter crash, is known to have used the locker at the Staples Center from the 2003-04 season to the 2015-16 season - his final year in the NBA.

And now, Sotheby's is auctioning off the item after it was acquired by an unnamed American collector in a private transaction.

The item had previously been in storage for 'years,' the company said, after being discovered while the Staples Center was being renovated in 2018.

Sotheby's says the locker - along with the rest of what remained in the locker room - would have been thrown out if not for a 'vigilant' maintenance worker.

Kobe Bryant's old Lakers locker is now on auction, and is estimated to fetch over $1million

Bryant used the locker from the 2003-04 season to the 2015-16 season - his last in the NBA

'Kobe Bryant's locker at the Staples Center is more than just a piece of memorabilia; it's a sacred relic of his unparalleled journey,' Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectables, said in a press release.

'This locker was Kobe's sanctuary amidst triumphs and challenges, a witness to the highs and lows of a storied career. Every achievement and hardship left its mark within these walls. Its appearance now at auction symbolizes a rare opportunity to own a unique piece of Kobe's legacy.'

The locker is made of wood and has Bryant's last name in the upper right-hand corner.

Of course, Bryant is considered a Lakers and NBA legend, after a career with five championships, a ridiculous 15 All-NBA selections and one MVP win.

There were also countless highlight moments that he produced in the Staples Center (now known as Crypto.com Arena), including his incredible 81-point game in 2006, and his storybook 60-point performance in his final game.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the locker will go to the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation. 

Bidding for the item is open through August 2. It opened Monday, just under a week after Bryant’s father passed away.

Bryant produced countless highlight moments at the Staples Center, including his 81 point game vs. the Raptors in 2006

Joe Bryant tragically died at the age of 69 last week. Joe, a 6ft 10in forward, enjoyed a lengthy playing career which included spells with the 76ers, Clippers and Rockets.

His passing comes four and a half years after his son - then only 41 - and his granddaughter Gianna, 13, were among those killed in a helicopter crash.

However, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe's relationship with son Kobe became strained as the Lakers legend built a Hall of Fame career in the NBA. 

He never spoke publicly about his son's death and earlier this year, the 2000 NBA title ring gifted to 'Jellybean' by Kobe sold for $927,000 at auction. 

The shirt is available in the Sotheby’s ALTITUDE | Capsule Collection sale - which opens for bidding today and closes on 2 August.