The anticipated auction price for Wilt Chamberlain’s Game 5 Finals jersey from 1972 is $4 million.

Jerry West claimed that his reaction to the Los Angeles Lakers winning the 1972 NBA Finals was

more one of relief than delight because, since relocating to Los Angeles, the Lakers had lost seven

Finals games while not triumphing once (much of it can be attributed to Bill Russell and the

Celtics). With their first Los Angeles championship, the Lakers had finally achieved success.

Wilt Chamberlain, the series MVP with averages of 19.4 points and 23.2 rebounds per game, was a

major factor in the Lakers’ victory over the Knicks in the 1972 Finals. Despite playing with a

fractured hand, Chamberlain produced 24 points and 29 rebounds in the game that sealed the

championship.

The jersey Chamberlain wore in the decisive Game 5 is currently on display before being put up for

auction by Sothbys, where it is anticipated to fetch a high price ,for around $4 million.

According to Brahm Wachter, Head of Streetwear & Modern Collectibles for Sotheby’s, “This jersey

holds an extraordinarily significant place in the history of Los Angeles, not only because it was

worn by the man who many people believe to be the greatest player ever to step on the court, but

also because it is a memento from one of the greatest franchises in sports history.

The jersey is anticipated to break the current record for Chamberlain memorabilia, which is $1.79

million for a jersey he wore with the Philadelphia Warriors during his rookie season.

The jersey will be on exhibit until August 31 at the Sotheby’s gallery in Los Angeles. The jersey will

be up for online bidding from August 28 until September 27.