The Nike Kobe 6 ‘Grinch’ sneakers that Kobe Bryant wore during the 2010 Christmas Day game have entered collecting history. Joopiter, the auction platform owned by Pharrell Williams, listed them with a minimum price of $10 million. The context boosts their value. Bryant wore them against LeBron James’ Miami Heat on one of the NBA’s most iconic dates.
The green, scale-like design first earned the nickname “Green Mamba,” a reference to Bryant’s alias. The Christmas debut later cemented the name “Grinch,” inspired by the green literary character tied to the holiday. The sneakers are autographed and were displayed in Beverly Hills alongside other Bryant memorabilia.
Caitlin Donovan, Joopiter’s global head of sales, confirmed the auction floor to EFE. Interest remains high. The Bryant memorabilia market continues to surge since his passing.
One game, one symbol, and record figures
According to Mundo Deportivo, Bryant scored 17 points in that game. It marked his only appearance wearing that specific model. The Lakers lost 80–96 to the trio of James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh at the Staples Center, now Crypto.com Arena. The result does not diminish the object’s significance.
¡ES, ES… EL GRINCH! 🎄🎁🏀
Zapatillas con temática de ‘el Grinch’ que utilizó Kobe Bryant y están firmadas por el exjugador, serán subastadas y esperan alcanzar hasta los 10 millones de dólares. #Lakers #KobeBryant #Grinch pic.twitter.com/y3wsiiTPL8— Imagen Deportes (@ImagenTVDeporte) December 19, 2025
Last August, a card signed by Bryant and Michael Jordan sold for more than $12.9 million at Heritage Auctions. It set a U.S. record for its category and became the second most expensive sports collectible ever. That precedent fuels expectations.
The Kobe 6 ‘Grinch’ transcends footwear. It represents an era, a narrative, and a legacy. For collectors, it is a one-of-a-kind piece. For the market, it proves Bryant’s lasting impact on sports and global culture.
