Liu Zhe shows a pair of Nike sneakers signed by the retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant. Liu has a large collection of memorabilia signed by the NBA star at his home in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, seen here on April 11, 2018. [File Photo: IC]

Over the past 10 years, a teenager from Heilongjiang Province has amassed a large collection of memorabilia signed by his favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant. Liu Zhe's collection, which includes sneakers, jerseys, and basketballs, got two new additions at his birthday this year when the retired NBA superstar sent him a team jersey and a pair of sneakers signed "To Liu Zhe, happy birthday—Kobe Bryant".

Liu Zhe, a fan of the retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, wearing a Los Angeles Lakers team jersey signed by Kobe at his home in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province on April 11, 2018. [File Photo: IC]

The sneakers were the pair Kobe wore when he took to the court on March 23, 2016 – shortly before the end of his playing career.

Kobe Bryant on April 13, 2016. [File photo: IC]