[tamthor]

<p><strong><em><font size=-2>Topps Press Release</font></em></strong>

With the rise of his Los Angeles Lakers No. 24 jersey to the very top of the NBA’s jersey sales list (according to stats from the NBA Store), Kobe Bryant has signed a limited number of exclusive Upper Deck Authenticated products. These items are available at http://www.upperdeck.com and at http://www.KB24.com (Kobe’s official website) to commemorate the launch of Kobe’s “KB24.com Store.” <br /><br />
<img src="/images/news/kobe_24.jpg" align="right" hspace="5">Among the signed pieces are Nike shoes, Spalding game balls, photos and a Jersey Archives box featuring a photo and autographed No. 24 jersey. The signatures include an inscription of Kobe’s new motto: “Carpe Diem” (Seize the Day).<br /><br />
“This is the very first time signed ‘24’ Kobe products will be available to my fans, I am really excited about that,” Kobe Bryant says. “This offering gives me the opportunity to continue sharing my love for the game of basketball.”<br /><br />
This is the second collaboration between UDA and Bryant. In November, UDA helped Bryant retire his famous No. 8 with an online auction where a select offering of “No. 8” items were purchased, most of which were extremely limited. <br /><br />
Signed No. 24 Items Available:<br />
-Authentic NBA No. 24 Lakers Jerseys (White, Gold and Purple—each in their own limited Jersey Archives box with “Carpe Diem” inscription on the jersey and limited to 24). SRP $1,099.99 <br />
-Kobe Player-Edition Nike Kobe Zoom 1 Hoops Shoes—each pair is autographed on the right shoe. SRP $1,499.99 <br />
-NBA Spalding Basketballs—laser-engraved with Kobe Bryant Logo Crest (from KB24.com) limited to 24 with “Carpe Diem” inscription. SRP $699.99 <br />
-Signed 16-by-20 photographs of Kobe flashing his finger roll from his first game wearing the No. 24 jersey. SRP $599.99 or $699.99.<br />
Portions of the money collected from each sale will go to Kobe’s VIVO Foundation—a charitable initiative aimed at helping kids by providing educational and financial support.
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