When you’re averaging more than 25 points per game your 20th year in the NBA, your rookie card value might just reach an all-time high every single week. Such is the case of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. Given that the 37-year-old veteran stands amongst the potential GOAT candidates besides Michael Jordan, his rookie card seemed to have broken all record.
As per reports, published by Republic World, a 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection RPA (rookie patch autograph) parallel LeBron James rookie card was privately sold for a whopping $5.2 million with PWCC Marketplace. The spoken off rookie card, which is interestingly graded 9 by the Beckett Grading Services, is now the most expensive basketball card out there (as of April 2021).
The information of the buyer was not revealed to the public, yet the seller of the same card was based in United Kingdom. Moreover, PWCC’s director of business development – Jesse Craig emphasized on how the same card is now the most expensive retail product ever to be released. He stated, “Exquisite was a revolutionary product when it came out in 2003.”
Previously before this LeBron James rookie card sale, Dallas Mavericks’ marquee – Luka Doncic’s one-of-a-kind 2018-19 Panini National Treasures Logoman RPA card was sold at a whopping price of $4.6 million in March 2021.
Given LeBron James’ popularity all around the world and his longevity, being the face of the toughest league of basketball comes with its own perks. Perhaps this is just why Bron has such a crazy fan following.
That being said, now with Anthony Davis out, King James will once again have the responsibility to lead his side and probably improve their upward trajectory alongside Russell Westbrook. Next up for them is Washington Wizards. Will we witness the legend of King James grow? Or will misery reign once again on the purple and gold army? Remains to be seen.