This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2023
Offered here is a special piece of basketball history courtesy of a teenaged LeBron Raymone James. While still in high school at St. Vincent-St. Mary, the Akron (OH) phenom autographed this very basketball in his earliest form. The signature actually predates his #1 overall selection in the 2003 NBA Draft held at Madison Square Garden on June 26th of that year. How are we so sure? Because the PSA/DNA authentication letter signed by hobby dinosaurs Steve Grad and James Spence is dated March 5, 2003. James turned 18 years old on Dec. 30, 2002, so he most likely signed this ball as a 17 or 18-year-old high school senior at SVSM.
LeBron's simplistic "LBJ" signature is done in bold 9/10 black marker just above the Spalding logo of this 'Official All-Court Ball' with Commissioner David Stern's facsimile signature stamp. Basketball fans all remember his draft day image in an all-white suit wearing the cap of the local team he grew up rooting for. The NBA's most hyped prospect ever did not disappoint in his debut season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, easily taking home Rookie of the Year honors. Four MVPs, four NBA titles, and four Finals MVP awards later, King James is now the NBA's all-time leading scorer. He's still going strong in his 20th season, poised to lead the Lakers to another NBA title as his legendary career winds down and he looks to pass the torch to his son, Bronny.
Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA (dated 3/5/2003).