Suspect wearing Brooklyn Nets hat involved in Kobe Bryant memorabilia theft

Lower Merion police have released surveillance video images of two suspects wanted in the theft of Kobe Bryant memorabilia at Lower Merion High School.

According to police, the two suspects, one donning a Brooklyn Nets winter hat, forcibly opened an exterior entrance to the high school Sunday night and made their way to Bryant Gymnasium.

One of the suspects disabled the lock on the display case, known to students as "Kobe's Shrine," and the duo made off with several pieces of memorabilia, including a framed replica of Bryant's Lower Merion jersey, the Aces' 1996 PIAA Class AAAA state boys' basketball championship trophy and net from the title game, and several pairs of Nike sneakers signed by the former Lakers superstar.

According to police, one suspect was wearing a dark colored winter hat and black or blue jacket and concealed his/her face with a multi-colored scarf. In addition to the Nets hat, the second suspect was wearing "Jordan" sweatpants and gray New Balance sneakers.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Lower Merion police at 610-645-6236.

Lower Merion coach Gregg Downer said he has been in contact with Bryant since the theft. "He didn't say too much," Downer said. "He's still trying to process things."

The coach said the items "mean a lot to our legacy. We've always tried to be transparent, allowing the community and anyone who came to our gym to view the items. The case always drew a lot of positive attention."

Mike Lachs, Lower Merion's scorebook keeper for about the last decade, said he could not understand why someone would steal the items.

"You can't sell the stuff," Lachs said. "What can you do with it?"

Staff writer Rick O'Brien contributed to this article.