LeBron James trading card sells for $1.8 million at auction, becoming most expensive basketball card ever bought

CNN Wire

4 years ago

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Staples Center on March 3, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

A rare LeBron James trading card sold for a record-breaking $1.845 million at auction over the weekend, the NBA said.

The card features James, now at the Los Angeles Lakers, during his 2003-04 rookie season at hometown team the Cleveland Cavaliers and is now the most expensive basketball card ever purchased.

A LeBron James trading card sold for $1.8 million at an auction. (Goldin Auction via CNN)

According to the NBA, the signed card was one of only 23 produced and received a “9.5 mint gem” condition grading. It also features a piece of James’ Cavaliers jersey.

Bidding started at $150,000 and attracted 34 bids during the 26-day auction, the NBA said. It surpassed the previous record of $923,000 for the most expensive modern-era trading card — those made in 1980 or later — set by a card featuring baseball star Mike Trout in May.

The Lakers currently sit top of the NBA’s western conference ahead of the season restart on July 30 at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

James, a four-time NBA MVP and 16-time NBA All-star, is bidding to win his fourth NBA title.