Basketball collecting guide
Kobe Bryant1996-97 Topps #138
Paper Topps #138 gives collectors a rookie issue whose price changes substantially across grades.
Kobe’s paper Topps rookie and his Chrome rookie sit close together in many searches. Both point a collector toward 1996 and the number 138. A paper Topps copy offers a way to own this rookie-year issue while choosing the grade around the card’s appearance and the intended budget.
Keep paper and Chrome separate
PSA assigns the regular Topps Kobe #138 its own CardFacts entry. Topps separately catalogs the Chrome Refractor rookie. The distinction matters even for collectors who enjoy the two side by side. For a graded copy, read the complete set name on the label. For a raw copy, compare the front and back with the standard Topps reference before including a Chrome search result. 1 2
The player behind the card
The paper Topps card belongs to a modest rookie scoring line: 7.6 points per game for Los Angeles. That makes #138 a useful starting page for a Bryant album before the high-scoring seasons that came later. 5 6
The card’s season
1996-97 · Los Angeles Lakers
NBA regular season
71 games · 7.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. 5
Choose a condition target first
On the paper issue, compare how the printed image sits inside the frame and look at the corners against a neutral background. Inspect the back for marks or damaged edges that a bright front scan can hide. If the card will go in a display, choose two or three copies that already appeal visually, then compare their grades and total purchase prices. 1 3
Read the grade columns separately
PSA CardFacts reports a PSA 9 auction at $376 on August 16, 2026 and a PSA 10 auction at $2,201 on July 27. These are dated records from different sales. The much larger cost attached to the higher grade in these examples makes an attractive nine worth inspecting beside a ten. Confirm newer evidence before treating that historical difference as the cost of an upgrade. 1
Documented prices
PSA price guide
$1,600 USD · PSA 10
Reference recorded Nov 4, 2026 for this grade.
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Collector questions
Which #138 does this cover?
The 1996-97 regular Topps paper card. Topps Chrome versions belong in a separate price comparison.
Does a good-looking raw example have a PSA 10 value?
A raw copy needs a condition assessment and comparable raw sales. A PSA 10 price attaches to a graded example.