1997 Upper Deck UD3 Aerial Artists Kobe Bryant #43

Bryant entered the NBA without any college basketball experience, yet in his first four months of the 1996–97 regular season he proved more than ready for the league. Armed with quick feet and explosive hops, Bryant was one of the favorites in the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend in Cleveland. He didn't let his fans down — with a mid-air between-the-legs jam, Bryant ran away from the competition and won his first NBA Slam Dunk Title. This card is part of the Aerial Artists insert subset in Upper Deck's UD3 set, capturing the young Laker's gravity-defying athleticism in his breakout sophomore campaign.