Kobe Taking Mom to Court to Stop Memorabilia Auction

Kobe Bryant really wants mom to leave his stuff alone.

ESPN.com is reporting that the NBA All-Star and Lower Merion grad has taken to the courts to stop mom Pamela Bryant from auctioning off a collection of items from his high school days and the early part of his pro career. Bryant had left the items in her home over five years ago.

The property in question includes a game-worn jersey from Kobe's time as an Ace, signed balls, and his 1996 Pennsylvania state championship ring.

According to IndyStar.com, the trouble began this week. After Goldin Auctions announced the auction (which is planned for June) on Tuesday, the All-Star's legal team sent the house a cease-and-desist letter. Two days later, Goldin filed a lawsuit in US District Court asserting its right to sell the memorabilia, and Kobe's lawyer subsequently released a statement that promised the matter would be resolved "through the legal system."

Yikes. But while few of us have taken mom to court over stuff we left behind in the garage, the stakes are somewhat higher here: the 900 items are reportedly valued at $1.5 million.

According to ESPN, Pamela Bryant planned to buy a new house with the advance from the New Jersey-based auction house. Seems Kobe won't be invited to store any of his stuff in this one.