5 coolest jerseys Kobe Bryant wore in his 20 years with the Lakers

Since 1966, the Los Angeles Lakers have had roughly the same design for their iconic purple and gold jerseys. Sure, the collar, the trim of the sleeves and even the material itself has changed, but they haven’t tinkered too much with the classic look over the past 54 years.

That being said, they have had a few fun alternate and throwback jerseys though the years, and that was especially true during Kobe Bryant’s illustrious 20-year career, from 1996 to 2016. In honor of the four-year anniversary of Bryant’s 60-swan song against the Utah Jazz, we’re ranking the five best jerseys Bryant wore during his time with the Lakers.

5. 1996-97

Best known as the “Showtime” era jerseys, the Lakers wore this design on the road from 1978-1999. But while the jersey might be known for the 1996-97 season, this particular purple jersey is synonymous with Bryant because it’s the jersey he competed — and won — the dunk contest in at the 1997 NBA All-Star game in Cleveland.

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Mitchell & Ness 1996-97 Hardwood Classics Authentic Player Jersey

• $300

• $300 at Fanatics

4. 2008-09

This jersey is arguably the one Bryant is most famous for wearing, but it’s not No. 1 on our list because it’s not the coolest-looking — which is saying something because it’s really, really clean. In this jersey, Bryant won five championships, two Finals MVPs and a league MVP. This specific jersey is from the 2008-09 season.

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Mitchell & Ness Hardwood Classics 2008-09 Authentic Jersey

• $300

• $300 at Fanatics

3. 2003

OK, we cheated a little bit. This isn’t a Lakers jersey, but it’s one Bryant wore during his career, and it’s famous because it’s the jersey he wore when he went head-to-head with Michael Jordan at the 2003 NBA All-Star game in Atlanta. That’s enough for it to be the No. 3 spot on our list.

Kobe Bryant 2003 All Star West Authentic Jersey

• $300

• $300 at Mitchell & Ness

2. 2004-05

Before moving to Los Angeles, the Lakers were the Minneapolis Lakers, named after the “Land of 10,00 Lakes.” The Minneapolis Lakers had a few looks in their 11 years as a BAA/NBA team, but this is arguably the coolest.

Kobe Bryant 2004-05 Authentic Jersey Los Angeles Lakers

• $300

• $300 at Mitchell & Ness

1. 2003-04

Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

Our final choice needs no introduction. While it was only worn for a few games during the 2003-04, the royal blue and script make it arguably the most popular throwback jersey in Lakers history. Let’s hope they bring it back next year.

But what do you think? Did we leave any notable jersey out? Did we get the order right? Let us know in the comments below!

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