Panini Blog The Gold Standard: Kobe Bryant Makes His Precious-Medal Mark for Panini America

The incomparable Kobe Bryant made headlines earlier this week — as he has so many times before during his decorated career – by simply saying what he felt: That his 2012 U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team could defeat the 1992 Dream Team in a head-to-head matchup that would inevitably be “a tough one.”
Two days later, Bryant was in the Las Vegas hotel room of Panini Authentic’s Brian Bayne for a special private signing steeped in Olympic pageantry.
During yesterday’s session, an upbeat Bryant signed all of his cards for next week’s release of 2011-12 Gold Standard Basketball (inserted as redemptions that will be available immediately), including the first 24 with a “USA” inscription. In addition, Bryant autographed a stunning selection of Olympic-themed items coming soon to Panini Authentic — eight pairs of his Nike London Zoom VIIs inscribed “USA,” 24 Molten FIBA basketballs that he inscribed “London 2012″ and a handful of USA jerseys.
When Bryant, a Panini America-exclusive athlete, and the rest of his Olympic teammates depart for London in the coming days, Bayne won’t be too far behind. Proving there’s nothing he won’t do for Panini Authentic, Bayne will be on hand to personally secure Bryant’s scarce game-worn Olympic memorabilia.
Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for more details as the Olympics get underway. But until then, enjoy this exclusive sneak peek at Bryant’s patriotic penmanship — sure to be as headline-worthy as the man himself.

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