The man with 5 championships, an MVP award, and 18 all-star appearances is perhaps the second-most sought after player in the hobby!
He played long enough ago that there aren’t 100s of cards to collect. In fact, any true Kobe superfan can get a complete collection of his rookies with just 16 cards. That’s an achievable goal.
(Unlike someone who says they’d like to collect every Joe Burrow rookie…there are probably hundreds, maybe thousands with all the parallels.)
Kobe Bryant’s Rookie Cards Ranked
Let’s figure this out with a combination of value, eye appeal, nostalgia, and more. These are only cards that are considered true rookie cards, according to Beckett. All cards are from 1996-97 and values are taken from eBay completed sales.
1. 1996-97 E-X2000 Kobe Bryant #30
PSA 9 Value: $1,000
PSA 9 Pop Count: 815
This card comes in at number one this list because it’s a stunning card that looks even better in person! The green pops around an action shot of Kobe with the ball. The blue sky behind Kobe is an interesting choice, but the color pops.
Those foil borders are prone to dings, so it’s rare to find this card in good condition, which is why you get a nice PSA 9 value on this card…and a crazy premium for the PSA 10 ($23k is the cheapest I found on eBay).
Because of it’s relative rarity, nice value, and high eye appeal, it’s #1 for a reason.
2. Topps Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #138
PSA 9 Value: $150
PSA 9 Pop Count: 16,721
Some might disagree, but when I think “Kobe rookie,” this is the one that pops in my head. The fact that this Kobe rookie holds more value than many options below despite its massive pop count tells me that it’s sought after.
Many collectors are nostalgic for Topps, plus you get a nice in-game action shot of him with the ball. This is my personal favorite Kobe card.
3. Topps Finest Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #74
PSA 9 Value: $150
PSA 9 Pop Count: 2,057
While the design can be seen as a little cheesy, you can’t deny that it’s cool to see Kobe about to throw one down! I’ve always liked the look and feel of these Topps Finest cards. They just seem high quality all around.
With Topps Finest also being one of those that collectors are hoping come back to basketball, this card comes in high on the list.
4. Ultra Kobe Bryant RC #52
PSA 9 Value: $90
PSA 9 Pop Count: 2,898
The cheapest so far on this list, this has always been a popular Kobe rookie card. Fleer will always carry weight with basketball collectors, and the Ultra cards seemed to have a little extra flair to them. That font will always have a place in my childhood. Throw in a nice action shot of the Black Mamba, and you get a nice Kobe card.
5. Topps Chrome Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #138
PSA 9 Value: $1,500
PSA 9 Pop Count: 4,157
Many would rank this as the #1 rookie card for Kobe. It’s a higher quality version of one I have listed higher on this list, so why wouldn’t it rank higher?
It gets pricey fast, and the paper version of this card was the one that my friends and I always had and sought after.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with Topps Chrome, one of the premier brands in all of sports card collecting. It’s a high quality card with an incredible finish to it.
6. Bowman’s Best Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #R23
PSA 9 Value: $115
PSA 9 Pop Count: 6,451
This is the card with the second highest PSA 9 pop count on this list. It was incredibly sought after because it felt like it was everywhere and that all collectors had to have them!
However, it’s value lags behind some other quality rookies, perhaps because of that high pop count, or perhaps very few associate Bowman with basketball these days.
7. 1996-97 Fleer Kobe Bryant RC #203
PSA 9 Value: $65
PSA 9 Pop Count: 2,104
I have two reasons alone for ranking this card here:
- Fleer
- Cool action shot
It’s not the highest quality card, but having that brand and a solid photo bump this one over some other choices.
8. Metal Kobe Bryant RC #137
PSA 9 Value: $85
PSA 9 Pop Count: 1,114
While it’s not an action shot, it’s a cool reminder of Kobe coming to the Lakers, one of the most important things that’s ever happened to the franchise. That Fresh Foundation card text brings up memories of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (which is also in LA).
Overall, it’s a nice looking card, but it hasn’t carried a ton of value over the years.
9. 1996-97 Flair Showcase Row 2 Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #31
PSA 9 Value: $200
PSA 9 Pop Count: 636
Many collectors love these Flair Showcase cards (this one is Row 2), but honestly I’ve never been a huge fan. If it’s going to be an action shot, I prefer seeing them in-game. Plus, I don’t love the overly fancy calligraphy on the card. It have a nice value going for it.
10. Upper Deck Kobe Bryant RC #58
PSA 9 Value: $58
PSA 9 Pop Count: 4,731
Slap the most popular Laker’s smile on the front of a card, stamped with the date, and you’ve got a recipe for a popular card. This card is another one that seemingly everyone had in their collection and all my friends had to have. I know Upper Deck is nostalgic for some, but not so much for with basketball.
11. 1996-97 UD3 Kobe Bryant RC #19
PSA 9 Value: $65
PSA 9 Pop Count: 2,192
I considered putting this card higher on this list because of the cool hardwood texture, and the shape of the picture matching the key and half circle above the free throw line. However, the picture brings the quality down, as I’d rather having something meaningful, like an in-game shot, something from draft day, or being introduced to the team—like some other cards. Overall though, you can’t go wrong adding this one to your collection.
12. SkyBox Premium Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #55
PSA 9 Value: $70
PSA 9 Pop Count: 3,796
This card has never totally done it for me, with the boring font and the whatever-that-is background. I wish we could see more of Kobe’s mouth in this shot, as him doing that is a memory for all Laker’s fan. However, the action shot of him putting up a reverse layup is a winner.
13. 1996-97 Hoops Kobe Bryant RC #281
PSA 9 Value: $50
PSA 9 Pop Count: 3,359
This gets bonus points as a brand that’s still around today—although it’s not a premium product. I like the standout Lakers logo in the bottom, and the photography where he’s clearly playing a game (although it’s not a particularly interesting shot). The weird cut out on his left arm is a bit distracting, but this is a cheap card you can add to your collection from a recognized brand.
14. 1996-97 Collector’s Choice Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #267
PSA 9 Value: $50
PSA 9 Pop Count: 2,740
The saving grace of this card is perhaps the best action shot of any of his rookies. The logo, font, and feel of the card are all low quality, and that’s reflected in this card being among the most affordable of all his rookies cards.
15. 1996-97 SP Kobe Bryant RC #134
PSA 9 Value: $50
PSA 9 Pop Count: 4,527
SP would go on to become a more sought after product in future years (the first serial numbered cards I remember having were from SP). However, it hadn’t quite hit that stride yet. The picture misses the mark for me, and the blue stripe on the side would be better if they did a jersey match to the player, perhaps.
16. 1996-97 Z-Force Kobe Bryant RC #142
PSA 9 Value: $65
PSA 9 Pop Count: 1,309
I had to put this one last. I know some like it because it’s got sort of a 90s feel to it, but there’s just too much going on for me. Too much color, too much font, you’ve got, I think, curtains? And is that the Milky Way Galaxy around his midsection? Combine with a low value despite a low pop count, and you’ve got my lowest ranked Kobe rookie card.
