Patrick Johnson 
Kobe Bryant grew up overseas as his father played basketball internationally in Italy, but when it came time to become a hoops prodigy in his teens, Bryant relocated to Philadelphia’s Lower Merion High School where he would wow crowds en route to skipping college and going straight to the pros. Lower Merion obviously has a display case full of Kobe memorabilia, but it was recently missing a number of items including autographed Nike shoes in Lower Merion PE colorways complete with the Black Mamba’s signature, a replica of his game-worn high school jersey, and more. Kobe has since promised to restore the shrine and then some in the coming days, but Lower Merion police are also reviewing surveillance video and asked anyone with information to call police at 610-649-1000.
“While the items from the case are not of substantial monetary value, they do have a great deal of sentimental importance,” Lower Merion High School administrators said. “They represent a wonderful time of accomplishment, unity and pride for our school community — the 1996 state championship.” Watch the full video courtesy of NBC Philadelphia below and stay tuned for more updates regarding the theft right here on Sneaker News.
