VIDEO: Lower Merion Unveils Kobe Bryant's Recovered High School Jersey in First Game Since His Death
At Lower Merion High School outside Philadelphia, the passing of native son Kobe Bryant has been especially sad. However, the unlikely return of the jersey the legendary graduate used to wear for the school presented an opportunity for solidarity and remembrance Saturday. Bryant's Lower Merion jersey was infamously stolen in 2017, adn was later and sold to a Chinese collector. However, it was brought back and finally put back up where it belongs thanks to an assist from Kobe's cousin. Now, it's exactly where it always belonged.
In Lower Merion’s first home game since Kobe’s death, Bryant’s cousin unveiled his HS jersey, which was stolen in 2017 and bought by a collector in China but finally returned on Saturday.
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2020
Merion ended up winning the game in overtime.
(via aidanfriedman_/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/gFjMBxLOs6
What an amazing gesture by his alma mater. This wasn't the first way the school honored the Lakers legend after his stunning, tragic death, but it's one of many ways they've shown their sincere love for him and everything he's meant to the Lower Merion community.
Notably, when Bryant passed, a makeshift shrine was created in front of the school as a way of honoring him.
In 41 years, Kobe Bryant identified with Italy and Los Angeles, No. 8 and No. 24 – but it all started at Lower Merion High School. @espn story on the day I spent at Bryant's alma mater: https://t.co/PqoGxCQlmd
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) January 27, 2020
When Kobe left Lower Merion for the NBA, the city of Philadelphia treated Bryant like their son. Whatever he did during his pro career was met with the most enthusiastic of all cheers from the people in his hometown, and while the pain of his death rang out all over the world, Philly and the state of Pennsylvania will always be home for Kobe Bean Bryant.
Heartbroken by the loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) January 26, 2020
PA will never forget our time as Kobe’s home. At Lower Merion HS, he captured our hearts and the attention of the world. He truly shined and brought pride to our state.
Frances and I pray for all those who loved them. pic.twitter.com/lTmZgcJ60E
The Black Mamba will forever be linked to Lower Merion High School. It's extremely fitting that things were able to come full circle Saturday with the return of his old jersey to its rightful place on the walls of the gymnasium.