1997-98 Lakers NBA Basketball Team-Signed By (15) with Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox (JSA)

Spalding Official Indoor / Outdoor NBA basketball has been hand-signed by (15) members of the 1997-98 Los Angeles Lakers team! Signers include Kobe Bryant (D. 2020, HOF), Shaquille O'Neal, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Robert Horry, Del Harris, Eddie Jones, Kurt Rambis, Elden Campbell and (6) others.

The 1997–98 season marked a turning point for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they transitioned from a rebuilding phase into a serious contender in the Western Conference. Under head coach Del Harris, the team finished with a strong 61–21 record, showcasing one of the league’s most potent offenses. The roster was anchored by the dominant presence of Shaquille O'Neal, who averaged over 28 points and 11 rebounds per game, while a young Kobe Bryant began to emerge as a rising star, earning his first All-Star selection at just 19 years old. The Lakers also benefited from key contributions by players like Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel, giving them depth and versatility.

In the playoffs, the Lakers entered with high expectations but ultimately fell short of a Finals appearance. After defeating the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle SuperSonics in the first two rounds, they advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the dominant Utah Jazz led by Karl Malone and John Stockton. The series exposed the Lakers’ relative inexperience, as they were swept 4–0. Despite the disappointing finish, the season is widely remembered as a foundational year that set the stage for future success, particularly as Kobe Bryant developed into a superstar and the team prepared to make key changes that would soon elevate them to championship status.

The autograph(s) includes an official James Spence Authentication (JSA) hologram and matching LOA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: JSA LOA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.