There is no doubt that LeBron James is one of the most iconic basketball players to ever have existed. This is why it is a bit ironic to consider the fact that he only entered into the sport in the 2003-2004 season. Since this time, James has excelled while on the court and his engaging personality has made him just as much of a hit with fans.
As we all know, basketball aficionados love their memorabilia. Whether referring to a pair of Air Jordan trainers or a jersey worn by Wilt Chamberlain, some items can sell for incredible amounts of money at auction. However, it seems as if the notion of value has been taken to a whole new level in recent times. It has been reported that a LeBron James rookie card sold for a staggering $1.8 million dollars when it was advertised to the public at Goldin Auctions. What makes this card so desirable and what does such a figure say about the popularity of basketball as a whole?
More Than a Mere Rookie Card
Most rookie cards produced by major firms such as Topps and Fleer number in the tens (or even hundreds) of thousands. One major difference with this example produced by Upper Deck is that it was a portion of a limited series that produced a mere 300 examples. Thus, it was already quite rare.
Another unique aspect about this LeBron James rookie card is that it was physically signed by the player. Any signature from a major star will always astronomically increase the overall value. A final (and crucial) point to highlight is that each card contains a small piece of James’ rookie jersey when he played for the Cavaliers. Thus, we are also looking at a slice physical history as opposed to a mere square of glossy cardboard.
The Sheer Talent of LeBron James
There are several other reasons why James is thought to be one of the best players of all time. He has been included into the NBA All-Star category on no fewer than 16 occasions. He was deemed to be the Most Valuable Player within the NBA a total of four times and he is currently hoping to receive a fourth NBA title. So, no one can call his talent into question.
What About the Value of Past Memorabilia?
While many individuals can turn sizeable profits by playing online casino games, there is always a certain amount of risk involved. The same holds true for some types of sports memorabilia. However, items associated with players such as LeBron James and Michael Jordan will almost certainly increase in value over time. This is why they are considered investments by some individuals.
On a final note, we have to wonder whether the stellar price of the recent James rookie card is soon to set a “new normal” within the basketball community. Might we witness a game-worn Jordan jersey sell for millions or a basketball signed by Larry Byrd fetch a similar amount? Only time will tell.
