Upper Deck Kobe Bryant Lithograph by Shepard Fairey (OBEY Giant)

The Blot can’t believe this one never showed up on OBEYGiant.com, all of Fairey’s projects are typically featured there. I just happened to be checking out the Upper Deck online store to check out the latest All-Star Vinyl figure release and freaked out when I saw UD was releasing two ultra limited Kobe Bryant lithographs created exclusively for Upper Deck by Mr. OBEY Giant himself, Shepard Fairey.


Upper Deck commissioned Shepard to make these headshot lithographs to commemorate Kobe Bryant’s winning of the 2007-08 NBA MVP award. The two lithographs, entitled KOBE and MVP respectively, are 22'' wide x 28'' high and incorporate the Lakers team colors, purple and gold. Both lithographs are produced on French archival paper and come dual signed by both Kobe Bryant and Shepard Fairey with the MVP lithograph having the additional inscription “07-08 MVP” signed onto it by Bryant. Both lithographs come numbered and are guaranteed authentic by Upper Deck with UD’s official hologram affixed to it.


The only drawback to these amazing pieces is the price. With both the KOBE and MVP lithos limited to a run of just 50 pieces, the price is much higher than your typical OBEY Giant print. The MVP lithograph is $1,049.99 while the KOBE lithograph is $949.99. Both have the option to come framed for an additional $250. With only 100 of these Upper Deck Kobe Bryant Lithographs by Shepard Fairey in existence, demand will be high for these pieces by Kobe fans, Lakers fans and OBEY fans alike. So if you have the flow available, I would definitely not sleep on these stunning pieces of art. While they do not ship until 8/15/2008, both lithographs are available for purchase now.

Fairey also designed the logo for KB24.com, Kobe’s official website, which is a pretty cool Kobe Bryant Crest. Long time readers of The Blot Says… should know these lithographs combine two of my all time favorite things, the LA Lakers and OBEY. So you can understand why I am so excited to see Fairey’s interpretation of KB24. I don’t know how I’m going to get my hands on one of these awesome lithos, but have no fear, The Blot will figure out a way.

UPDATE: Upper Deck has updated their Upper Deck x Kobe x OBEY Giant store with two new options for those of us interested in a Kobe Bryant lithograph but not looking to spend $1,000 on it. You can now purchase either the KOBE or MVP lithographs signed only by Shepard Fairey for a much more reasonable price of $349.99. Both of the Shepard Fairey only signed lithographs have a limited run of 100.

Kobe Bryant is the 2007-08 NBA MVP

Congratulations to Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who yesterday was awarded the 2007-08 NBA Most Valuable Player award. Wow, what a long wait it’s been. After finally winning the MVP award after being in the league for 12 years, Kobe “matched the longest wait in NBA history before winning a first MVP award.” (link) The wait is understandable since Kobe entered the league at the young age of 17 after being the first guard to ever forgo college and be drafted into the NBA straight from high school.


Bryant led his LA Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference and the team improved upon its record from last year with an increase of 15 wins. He was rewarded for his efforts this season by being selected the league’s top player with 82 first place votes and 1105 total points. (link) Coming in second was New Orleans Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul who garnered 28 first place votes and 889 total points. The vote ended up not being as close as some “experts” first thought. Bryant is the fourth LA Laker to be named league MVP and is looking to lead his team back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2003-2004. The three other Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA MVP award are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ervin “Magic” Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal.

Kobe’s first MVP award is the culmination of an already decorated career that includes 3 NBA World Championships, named to the First Team All-NBA Team 5 times, named to the First Team All Defensive Team 5 times, selected to the NBA All-Star Team 10 consecutive times, 2 time NBA All-Star MVP, 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Champion and 2 time NBA Scoring Champion. (link) With no signs of slowing down, the future of both Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers looks bright for years to come.

Also, if you haven't seen the very cool Nike commercial for Kobe's Hyperdunk Shoes where he jumps over a speeding Aston Martin you should really check it out below: