It’s human nature to ask “what’s next?”
Michael Jordan was in his prime in 1996, but that didn’t stop anyone from looking for the next up and coming superstar. Penny Hardaway was a young All-Star, and shifty Georgetown guard Allen Iverson was the top draft prospect. But these guys would never match the greatness of a high school baller out of Philadelphia named Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant Skybox Premium Rookie #55
When it comes to card brands in the 90’s Skybox was one of the coolest. Their designs were modern and their inserts were fire. This gold foiled rookie card certainly felt premium at the time, and the glowing basketball at the fingertips of Kobe didn’t feel like CGI, that was his aura.
Kobe Bryant 2000 Fleer Game Time #3
That’s an action shot. Kobe in the air, a millisecond before deciding to lay it in or pass (knowing Kobe he took it), with the textured gold Lakers jersey serving as the background. The bold font for his name matches the boldness for which he played the game.
Kobe Bryant #18 1997 Ultra Jam City
Flying high for a dipsy doo dunkaroo, this card features Kobe in the purple jersey with a newspaper comic styled background. The Holographic Jam City logo puts this one over the top.
1998-99 Fleer Ultra – Kobe Bryant #61
This card is so clean. The font, the sparkle outline, Kobe soaring above the crowd into the dark void between human and god. This isn’t a card, this is a work of art.
All Nukes 