LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE– On the eve of the induction of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a lawsuit continues in California Superior Court over a Kobe Bryant trading card. The lawsuit, filed in February 2021 by Lance Jackson, a Lakers fan and owner of collectible cards, alleges that Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), one of the world’s largest collectible card authentication and ranking companies, damaged or mishandled his rare Topps Kobe Bryant Chrome Rookie Card refractor.

According to the complaint, Jackson stored the card in a safe, ensuring that virtually no one would touch or manipulate the card. He alleges that in January 2021, Jackson left the card with a PSA representative who told him that the card would be taken directly to a higher filing cabinet and that it was in “good hands.” The lawsuit claims that when the card was returned later that day, Jackson noticed a defect on the card that was not there before he handed it over to the PSA representative. Jackson’s lawsuit alleges that PSA damaged his Kobe Bryant collectible card or replaced the well-held card with an inferior card. Jackson has requested a jury trial and is seeking to recover the value of the card without damage. Among its claims, the lawsuit alleges negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary duty and a violation of the California Business and Professional Code. PSA is contesting these legal claims in court.

“I trusted a reputable company known for authenticating and classifying collectible cards, and they assured me the card was in good hands,” Jackson said. “I brought the case to compensate myself for the loss in value of the card.” Notably, in recent months another Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie Card has sold for nearly $ 1.8 million.

“Our trial team will move forward with the trial to ensure that PSA takes responsibility for damage to Mr. Jackson’s card,” said managing partner William A. Munck of Munck Wilson Mandala, Jackson’s attorneys in the case.

The case is Lance Jackson v. Collectors Universe, Inc .; A / k / a PSA Professional Sports Authenticator, Case No: 30-2021-01185998-CU-PO-CJC, pending in California State Superior Court, Orange County. Jackson is represented by Gary A. Hecker and Paul M. Gelb of Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP.