Kobe Bryant LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 02: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his protective face mask during the game with the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on March 2, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 115-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

There was a time in 2012 where Kobe Bryant was forced to wear a facemask after sustaining a nasal fracture during the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. Though it seemed minor, one facemask Bryant wore is reportedly worth thousands of dollars now.

A facemask Bryant wore for four games during the 2011-12 season has been put up for auction by the folks at Goldin Auctions. With 19 days left to go in the bidding process, the bidding has started at $19,000 and is expected to get as high as $50,000.

Here is how the auction site persuaded folks to bid on the old facemask.

Rarely does the opportunity arise to acquire such an iconic piece from a legends career. A legend known for being able to play through pain, where one of his most painful moments was in the 2012 All-Star game in Orlando. Despite passing Michael Jordan as the All-Star Game’s all-time leading scorer, he suffered a broken nose and concussion courtesy of a hard foul by Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat.

As a result of Bryant’s freak injury during the All-Star game, Bryant was forced to seek protective measures in order to resume his season with the Lakers. It was decided that a protective mask was needed to be made. To do that, a molding of Bryant’s face had to be created.

This isn’t the first item from an NBA star we’ve seen go for a ridiculous amount of money. A high school love poem from Michael Jordan went for more than $1,000, and a Steph Curry mouthguard sold for almost $4,000 earlier this year.

Folks, let’s stop doing this. We are wasting money on stupid things. We should be spending this money on more important things like beer.

[FTW]

About Ryan Williamson

Ryan is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri and has recently returned to his Minnesota roots. He previously has worked for the Columbia Missourian, KFAN radio in Minneapolis and BringMeTheNews.com. Feel free to email me at rwilliamson29 AT Gmail dot com.