.png)
.png)
.png)
Upon being drafted to the Cleveland Cavaliers as a first round pick in 2003, LeBron James (American, b. 1984) was set to rise to the occasion and become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The athlete had been gathering hype since early high school, and the day had come upon his graduation at the mere age of 19 for him to enter the big leagues.
The rest of the story is well-known: after becoming the 2003-04 Rookie of the Year and making a name for himself on the court, James continued to play for the Cavs until 2010, when he made the controversial decision to move to Miami. After winning back to back championships in Miami, James then decided to return to his hometown team, where he won another championship in 2016. In 2018, despite approaching the age of 40, James signed with the Lakers and continues to remain a force on and off the court. In 2020, LeBron James made good on his promise to the late Kobe Bryant and brought the NBA championship title back to the Los Angeles Lakers. His career has led him to an impressive sum of accolades: eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances (2011-2018), four NBA championships, four Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, four Finals MVP Awards, 16 All-Star Game appearances, and two Olympic gold medals.
For any given player, rookie cards are considered the most desirable and valuable cards. Otis has purchased a memento of James’s rookie season: a PSA GEM-MT 10-graded 2003 LeBron James Topps Chrome #111 Refractor trading card that captures one of the greatest basketball players of all time on the precipice of an illustrious career. As one of the most sought-after Lebron James rookie cards, this card features James making a jump shot for the Cavaliers as Ben Wallace, a Detroit Piston, looks on. The Chrome refractor variation includes a reflective coating that shines multiple colors, especially in direct light. The card creates a dramatic effect, fitting for a star poised to go on to greatness.
The text on the back of the card reads, “[n]o high school hoopster ever has had as many accolades as LeBron, whose quadruple double-type skills could make him a superstar. He won every possible National Player of the Year award in 2002 and ’03.”
With the advent of nostalgia collecting, sports trading cards hold a special place in the position of many people’s hearts. However, with the development of the serial number system and card grading, what was once a hobby has become a valuable industry. The system ensures that print runs are limited. Our asset is in GEM-MT 10 condition, the highest possible grade given by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).
