1996 Fleer Ultra Encore Kobe Bryant Gold Medallion Edition #G-266

Thought by some to be destined to wither under the hot lights of LA, Kobe Bryant — whose first name was chosen from a cut of steak — instead showed plenty of sizzle under NBA fire. The teenage protégé of Shaquille O'Neal wowed his peers with a 21-point, 5-rebound, 2-steal effort in a mere 22 minutes versus the Sacramento Kings in early January. This card is part of the 1996-97 Fleer Ultra Rookie Encore insert set, stamped with the Gold Medallion Edition foil seal — a premium parallel distinguishing it from the standard Encore insert. A highly coveted early Kobe rookie-year collectible featuring his iconic #8 Lakers jersey.