Rare Wilt Chamberlain Lakers Jersey From NBA Finals Up For Auction
A Los Angeles Lakers jersey worn by Philadelphia’s Wilt Chamberlain in the 1972 NBA finals is being auctioned by Sotheby’s.
Wilt Chamberlain’s Philadelphia experience began with his standout performance at Overbrook High School, continued with his professional career with the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers, where he won an NBA championship in 1967, and culminated with his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the end of his playing time in his hometown.
On May 7, 1972, Chamberlain wore the golden jersey while he nursed a broken hand sustained in the previous game of the 1972 NBA Finals. Despite the injury, Chamberlain managed to clinch his second and final NBA Championship which was the first-ever championship for the Los Angeles Lakers.
During that night, he also won his sole NBA Finals MVP award. He made 24 points and 29 rebounds, completely dominating the court.
That night was a culmination of a remarkable season that saw the Los Angeles Lakers set the record for the most wins in a single season by triumphing 69 times. The team also recorded the most consecutive wins with 33, a number that no team managed to beat yet.
Chamberlain is shown wearing the same jersey on multiple covers of Sports Illustrated. These include the October 16, 1972, cover with the headline “It All Depends on Wilt” as well as the May 15, 1972, cover with the headline, “Los Angeles Champions at Last!”
Read more about the auction of Wilt Chamberlain’s Lakers NBA championship jersey at Sotheby’s.
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