Kobe Bryant handprints, other memorabilia up for auction

NEW YORK -- Some key Kobe Bryant memorabilia, including two of his Los Angeles Lakers uniforms and cement handprints from his induction into the Grauman's Chinese Theater hall of fame gallery, are going up for sale in April.

Julien's Auctions said Thursday that the items would be up for sale on April 30 as part of its annual sports auction that includes a silver medal from the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and a 2002 FIFA World Cup gold winner's medal.

Bryant's items were already being planned for auction when he, his daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26.

"We are honored to include this collection of his items and pay tribute to this giant who was an inspiration not only to basketball fans but to the entire world," said Darren Julien, Julien's Auctions' president and CEO.

The Lakers uniforms up for sale include one worn during the 2000 NBA Finals, with Bryant's original No. 8. The uniform included a black armband that marked the memory of Wilt Chamberlain, who died that season.

The other uniform was from Bryant's 2007 season, when his number was 24.

Other Bryant items include Adidas game shoes he signed and a basketball signed by the 2010-11 Lakers, including Bryant and others such as Ron Artest and Pau Gasol.

Julien said the Bryant items were being sold by a collector in Kentucky. Fans can view what's up for sale between April 27 and April 30 in Beverly Hills, California, before the auction takes place at Julien's Auctions Beverly Hills.

A memorial at Staples Center on Monday paid tribute to Bryant, who was 41, and his daughter, who was 13.