A game-worn Wilt Chamberlain jersey from the 1970-71 Los Angeles Lakers playoff run sold for $333,601 at Grey Flannel Auctions’ holiday auction this weekend.
The jersey, described by the auction house as “fresh to the hobby,” meaning it’s never been on the marketplace before, was sourced from the Lakers’ towel boy of that era. A signed letter of provenance explains that the team’s trainer, Frank O’Neal, gifted the jersey to the towel boy as a token of appreciation.
The jersey has since been authenticated and photo-matched to multiple games during the 1970-71 NBA season, including the Western Conference Finals on April 9, 1971, the auction house said.
Chamberlain wore the jersey while delivering historic performances, totaling 94 points, 63 rebounds, and eight steals in just four confirmed games, according to Sports Investors Authentication. The jersey has also been matched to photos from matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks, Baltimore Bullets and Cleveland Cavaliers, among others.
“Wilt’s mythical status may be the only thing larger than himself and his records,” Grey Flannel Auctions said in its listing, noting Chamberlain’s enduring impact on the sport.
Wilt Chamberlain, a 7-foot-1 center, was one of the NBA’s most dominant figures. Known for his scoring, rebounding and all-around durability, Chamberlain played for the Lakers from 1968 to 1973, helping lead the team to an NBA championship in 1972.
Over his career, he earned four MVP awards, two NBA titles, and set numerous records, including his legendary 100-point game. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.
The auction listing praised the jersey as being “the cream of the crop” for Wilt memorabilia, with outstanding wear and detailed photo evidence supporting its authenticity. The purple jersey features “LAKERS” across the chest, Chamberlain’s iconic No. 13 in white and gold, and his name arched across the back.
Grey Flannel Auctions highlighted the historical significance of the jersey, which Chamberlain wore while competing against NBA legends like Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Oscar Robertson.
With this sale, the jersey joins the ranks of some of the most valuable pieces of basketball memorabilia ever auctioned, officials said.