Kobe Bryant vs. Auction House Over Basketball Memorabilia; Mom Signs Deal With Auction House To Sell Son's Items?

Kobe Bryant is battling in court, legal court that is. The NBA superstar is caught between a dispute against an auction house that reportedly dealt with his mother, Pamela Bryant, over the athlete's basketball memorabilia.

Goldin Auctions LLC, a New Jersey-based auction house, recently requested the Camden District Court the right to sell Bryant's memorabilia from his high school years in Pennsylvania and his earlier L.A. Lakers days. The filing was a reply to a letter sent by the player's lawyers asking the auction house to cancel its scheduled auction for June.

According to the case filed, Kobe's mother, Pamela Bryant, reportedly signed a deal with Goldin Auctions earlier this year selling the basketball memorabilia to the auctioneers receiving an advance of $450,000. According to ESPN, the items include the star's jerseys, practice gear and sweatsuits from his years at Lower Merion High School; varsity letters; a 1995 Adidas ABCD basketball camp outstanding player trophy; a signed basketball from the Lakers' 2000 NBA Championship game; and a number of championship rings, including one from his 1996 Pennsylvania High School Championship team.

According to an ESPN report, sources close to the athlete revealed that Bryant's mother was pushed to sell the items because she wanted to buy a new house in Nevada.

Sources also revealed that Kobe offered to give his mother $250,000 towards the home Pamela was looking to buy. However, the mother refused saying she needed $450,000, in which Bryant denied. This resulted in the sale of the basketball items to the auction house.

It was also revealed that Kobe was unaware of the sale and the upcoming auction until a few hours before the news was released.

Yet, in the court filings, Goldin Auction claims that Pamela Bryant told them the sale had the blessing of the Lakers player since five years ago.

"Kobe Bryant indicated to Pamela Bryant that the items belonged to her and that he had no interest in them," wrote the auction house's lawyer.

In reply, Kobe's legal counsel, Mark Campbell, said in a statement that "Mr. Bryant's personal property has ended up in the possession of someone who does not lawfully own it. We look forward to resolving this legal matter through the legal system."

The filed complaint also stated, "Mr. Bryant seeks to prevent the sale of his personal property by Goldin and to force the return of the personal property, which holds tremendous sentimental value to him." 

Showing his dismay over his mother's decision, Kobe Bryant tweeted:

"When u give Give GIVE and they take Take TAKE at wat point do u draw a line in the sand? #hurtbeyondmeasure #gavemenowarning #love?"

Pamela Bryant has yet to comment on the issue.