Given that there has been growing interest in the Kobe Bryant 1987-88 Adidas Hardwood Classics Retro Swingman Lakers jersey (pictured above), I have decided to create a page containing detailed information as well as photos on this jersey so consumers know what to expect when purchasing this jersey. 

Just some background on these throwback jerseys…as part of NBA Heritage Week (Dec. 7 - 14) several teams including the Lakers wore retro uniforms to honor the game’s history.  The Lakers last wore these retro uniforms on March 24th, 2008, in a win vs. the Golden State Warriors. 

Because these jerseys were first made available for sale in retail stores in December 2007 to coincide with NBA Heritage week, Adidas no longer mass produces these throwback jerseys for sale.  And for this reason, they have dried up on the retail level.  They originally retailed between $75.00-$85.00 depending on retail location, but now can no longer be found in stores such as Champs Sports.  The same can be said for online retailers.  As a result, consumers need to resort to the secondary market to obtain one.  The obvious choice is eBay.  However, we all know eBay is rampant with fakes and knockoffs from Asia. 

Below, I will do my best to provide with you with detailed information regarding this jersey and what to look for and expect when you purchase and receive your jersey. 

The first thing you should know is that Adidas DOES NOT manufacture Authentic versions of this HWC retro jersey.  The only version available on the retail level are Swingman-type jerseys - jerseys that feature sewn-on all-in-one patches and is made of 100% polyester.  So if you’re in the market for an Authentic, you won’t find one.  I know many eBay sellers indicate that the jersey they are selling are “authentic” but that is not the case.  They could be using the term “authentic” for two reasons…1) Because the jersey has sewn-on letters and numbers, this makes it authentic in their eyes, or 2) The jersey is authentic/genuine Adidas merchandise as opposed to a knockoff with Adidas tagging.   Again, there is no Authentic version of this jersey.  This means you will need to settle for a Swingman-type version. 

Here are details on the Swingman version of the 1987-88 Adidas HWC Retro Lakers jersey:

1. Below is a close-up image of the neck and retail tags of the jersey.  The neck tag shows an NBA and Adidas Original logo along with the size tag.  Jersey is 100% polyester and is made in Honduras.  The retail tags include a Hardwood Classics tag and an Adidas Orginal tag. 

2. The Adidas Original and NBA Vintage logos are embroidered on the left and right shoulder straps, respectively.  One misconception many consumers have is that their jersey is fake because the NBA logoman on the right strap is discolored.  This is not true.  Adidas manufactured the logo this way for the NBA Vintage collection.  Therefore, the logo is dark blue, champagne, and dark red in color.  See images below.

3. The team logo and numbers are stitched on the front chest and is made of all-in-one patches.  An all-in-one patch is a logo, letter, or number patch that combines both the main character and outlines, or in this case, the white outline and shadow, on the same patch.  This is different from an Authentic, where each layer is its own patch sewn (tackle-twill) on top of another.  The material used on these all-in-one patches are thinner and in the case of these retro jerseys, are shiny.  See images of the front and back of the jersey below.

4. At the bottom left corner (if wearing jersey) are several tags.  The first you will notice is the Hardwood Classics commemoration tag indicating the year which the jersey was modeled after.  For this jersey, it commemorates the 1987-88 Lakers.  Next, you will notice the jock tag containing the NBA, Adidas Original, and Lakers logos along with the size, name/# section, and length +2 tag.  See image below.  Not pictured is an NBA logo side tag just to the right of the image below hanging off the side of the jersey. 

5. Lastly, the inner stitching of the patches are not perfect, they contain loose threads and excess material.  So long as there are no discolorations, this is perfectly normal.  See below. 

If you have any questions regarding the authenticity of a jersey you are looking to purchase or already own, feel free to contact me. 

UPDATE (6.19.08): I was recently contacted by a consumer who purchased a jersey and had questions regarding it’s authenticity.  After reviewing the photos, I came to the conclusion that it was indeed a fake.  I’ll post a link here so other consumers know what a  fake looks like.  If you compare it to the photos I have above, you’ll see some obvious differences. 

UPDATE (4.3.08): Jersey below is now sold out! 

UPDATE (4.1.08): I came across a reliable web site that is currently offering the ‘87-88 Adidas Hardwood Classics Retro Swingman Lakers jersey in a size XX-Large for $85.00.  All other sizes are sold out, unfortunately.  Hurry, only one left!