Former Kobe Bryant home for sale in Pacific Palisades

A tennis court estate that was home to Kobe Bryant during his early years with the Los Angeles Lakers is on the market in Pacific Palisades for $12.88 million.

Originally built in 1992, the four-story Mediterranean was among Bryant’s first forays into the Southern California housing market. After leasing the property for two years, the shooting guard, then 20 years old and fresh off of signing a new six-year, $70.9-million contract extension, paid $2.5 million for the home in February 1999.

The home was rebuilt from the studs up in 2008, with the current owner putting another $3 million towards custom finishes and landscaping, said listing agent Susan Montgomery of Sotheby’s International Realty.

For the Record
October 30, 11:13 a.m.: An earlier version of this article said that the home was updated by the current owner. It was completely rebuilt in 2008.

Rich hardwoods and gold and silver leaf accents are a common theme throughout the 11,249 square feet of living space, which has six bedrooms and a total of 11 bathrooms.

Among additions are his and hers offices complete with fabric wall coverings and wood built-ins, a coffered mahogany ceiling in the living room and a collection of custom fireplaces. Italian glass windows flank the spiral staircase.

A chef’s kitchen features custom cabinetry and a large island/breakfast bar. There are also six dishwashers throughout the home.

The tiered grounds have also been largely enhanced. Tall palms, rose gardens and a koi pond now complement a kidney-shaped pool and spa. Elsewhere on the property is the tennis/sports court, an outdoor kitchen and an intimate fire pit and sitting area, set off by sweeping mountain and ocean views.

Bryant, who has since decamped to the Newport Coast area, sold the home in 2008 for $9.84 million, records show. He also owned the property directly below for about three years, selling that home in 2002 for $1.515 million.

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