1997 Fleer Ultra Kobe Bryant #1

A standout card from the 1997-98 Fleer Ultra set, numbered #1 — a fitting designation for the young Laker already making waves in the NBA. The card back highlights Kobe Bryant's impressive rookie campaign: he won the 1997 Gatorade Slam-Dunk Championship, was selected to the '97 NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and scored a career-high 24 points against Golden State on April 8. In his lone season listed (96-97), Kobe played 71 games for the L.A. Lakers, averaging 7.6 points in 15.5 minutes per game. Born August 23, 1978 in Philadelphia, PA, he attended Lower Merion High School before being acquired via trade in 1996. This early card captures Kobe mid-flight on a thunderous slam dunk — a perfect snapshot of the explosive talent that would go on to define a generation of basketball.