LeBron James and his rookie card: his reaction goes viral

LeBron James has built a career that has earned him hundreds of millions of dollars, but there’s one figure that still managed to surprise him. This time, it wasn’t an NBA contract – it was the value of one of his rarest rookie cards, now considered one of the most expensive sports trading cards ever sold.

During a video published by Topps, the four-time NBA champion was asked what the highest price ever paid for one of his cards was.

LeBron James’ reaction to the $5.2 million price tag

James guessed that the record involved one of his rookie cards, but when he learned the final sale price, he was visibly stunned.

Oh, so it’s worth even more than I thought…

LeBron James

The number? $5.2 million.

The four-time NBA champion’s reaction quickly went viral, but the most entertaining moment came just seconds later.

“I’ve got one or two locked in a safe”

Speaking about his personal collection, LeBron suggested that he still owns a few copies of those incredibly valuable cards.

I think I’ve got one or two locked away in a safe somewhere. If I ever fall on hard times, I’d say I’m going to be just fine

LeBron James

Then, with a laugh, he added:

Maybe it’s time to go open that safe

LeBron James

LeBron James’ record-breaking rookie card

The card in question is the 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph, one of the most iconic basketball trading cards ever produced.

The copy sold privately in 2021 features:

• An original LeBron James autograph
• A game-worn jersey patch
• A limited print run of just 23 copies, honoring the jersey number he wore with the Cleveland Cavaliers
• A Beckett grade of 9, with a perfect 10 autograph

The private sale, handled by PWCC Marketplace in April 2021, reached $5.2 million, setting the all-time record for a basketball card at the time and tying the record for the highest price ever paid for any sports trading card.