Historic NBA Moment: LeBron and Bronny James on Court with Exclusive Topps Trading Card

In a moment that will go down in NBA history, LeBron and Bronny James played together for the first time during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This marked the first-ever instance of a father and son sharing the court in an NBA game, cementing the James family legacy.

To celebrate this milestone, Topps has released a one-of-a-kind trading card featuring autographs from both LeBron and Bronny James. The card is a 1-of-1 edition, meaning it’s the only one in existence, adding to its exclusivity. Fans can enter for a chance to win this rare piece of memorabilia by purchasing the standard, open-edition version of the card, available for just 72 hours. While the open-edition card doesn’t include autographs, it uses an alternative photo that captures the iconic moment.

LeBron, a basketball legend with a collection of the most coveted trading cards in the world, added another layer to his legacy that night. His previous cards, like the 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Rookie Patch Autograph, once sold for a staggering $5.2 million, already hold legendary status in the collectibles market. Bronny, while still early in his career, contributed modestly in his debut, logging three minutes and grabbing an offensive rebound.

On a historic NBA night, LeBron James and his son Bronny made headlines by taking the court together during the Lakers’ season opener against the Timberwolves. For the first time in NBA history, a father and son played in the same game. It was a moment that transcended sports.

LeBron is already one of the Goats of Basketball

LeBron, already a global icon and future Hall of Famer, has been a fixture in the league for over two decades. Bronny, just beginning his NBA career, made his debut with three minutes of play, logging one offensive rebound but failing to score in his limited time. Nonetheless, it was the significance of the occasion—not the stats—that captivated fans. This game was about more than points or rebounds; it was about a family legacy, embodied in a shared dream played out on one of the world’s biggest basketball stages.

To commemorate this monumental moment, Topps released a special edition collectible celebrating the father-son duo’s debut. The highlight of this release is a 1-of-1 card featuring autographs from both LeBron and Bronny James, making it the only one of its kind. This rare card will be awarded to one lucky fan who purchases the open-edition version, available for just 72 hours. While the open-edition doesn’t include signatures, it offers an alternate photo of the historic game.

Most Valubale LeBron Trading Cards

LeBron James is no stranger to the trading card world. Over the years, his cards have become some of the most valuable and sought-after collectibles in sports history. From rookie cards to limited editions featuring memorabilia and autographs, the King’s presence in the trading card market is legendary. Below are some of the most iconic LeBron James cards ever issued, each with its own story of rarity and value:

1. 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Autograph Exquisite Patches #AP-LJ LeBron James – #’d/100

Price: $160,000
This card is a favorite among collectors because it features both an autograph and a piece of LeBron’s rookie-year memorabilia. Limited to just 100 copies, it showcases a young LeBron in his Cleveland Cavaliers uniform. The card’s aesthetic—combining a patch with a side profile of LeBron gazing upward—makes it a classic. Its value continues to climb, with some versions selling for as much as $160,000.

2. 2003 Topps Contemporary Collection #1 LeBron James – Gold #’d/25

Price: $160,116
One of the rarest LeBron cards, this gold parallel is numbered to just 25 copies. The card features LeBron in mid-air, about to dunk, framed by a holographic green and yellow border. Its rarity and clean design have made it a highly coveted item in the trading card world, with sales reaching over $160,000.

3. 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Limited Logos #LL-LJ LeBron James – #’d/75

Price: $161,716
This card is not just a piece of memorabilia; it’s a work of art. With LeBron’s autograph taking center stage and a piece of his game-worn jersey, the card stands out among the limited-edition sets. The card’s simple design and rare print run—only 75 copies—make it a unique collector’s item worth over $160,000.

4. 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Number Pieces #NP-LJ LeBron James – #’d/23

Price: $168,700
With only 23 copies ever made, this card features a bold design that includes LeBron’s signature and a large “23” to represent his iconic jersey number. This rookie-year card remains one of the most valuable in the market, with recent sales nearing $170,000.

5. 2006 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Auto Logoman #UAL-LJ LeBron James – #’d/1

Price: $250,000
This card is a true one-of-a-kind, featuring an exclusive Logoman patch from LeBron’s jersey and his signature. The Logoman symbol—considered the pinnacle of collectible cards—combined with its one-of-one status has pushed this card’s value to $250,000. For collectors, it’s an ultimate prize, as it’s virtually impossible to find another one.

6. 2003 Topps Chrome #111 LeBron James – Refractor

Price: $335,000
The 2003 Topps Chrome Refractor stands out for its unique rainbow-hued finish, which gives the card an almost holographic appearance. Although it doesn’t feature signatures or patches, its iconic design and rarity make it one of the most expensive LeBron James cards ever sold, with prices reaching $335,000.

7. 2003 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Signed Rookies #127 LeBron James – #’d/250

Price: $415,778
The simplicity of this card is part of its charm. Featuring LeBron in his rookie season, this card is numbered to just 250 copies and includes his autograph. Its clean, minimalist design makes it a must-have for serious collectors, with some sales fetching upwards of $415,000.

8. 2003 Upper Deck SP Authentic SP Dual Signatures #JJ-A LeBron James/Michael Jordan – #’d/50

Price: $3,561,500
This dual-signature card is one of the most coveted in history. It features autographs from two NBA legends: LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Limited to just 50 copies, this iconic collectible pairs two of the greatest players of all time. Some copies have sold for as much as $3.5 million.

It’s the ultimate card for any basketball fan or collector who appreciates the history and greatness of the sport.

9. 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 LeBron James – #’d/23

Price: $5,200,000
This exquisite rookie patch card is the crown jewel of LeBron James cards. It is extremely rare, with only 23 copies in existence. The card features a piece of his rookie-year jersey, shaped like the letter “R” for “Rookie.” In 2021, it set the record for the second-highest price ever paid for a basketball card, selling for an astounding $5.2 million.

The Future of Bronny James

While Bronny James has just begun his NBA journey, his potential is undeniable. Moreover, his connection to LeBron, both on and off the court, ensures that collectors and fans will watch his career closely. Furthermore, the special edition card released by Topps symbolizes this passing of the torch, honoring both the legacy of one of the game’s greatest players and the promise of the next generation.

This is the only 1-of-1 card featuring both LeBron and Bronny’s autographs. It’s set to become a valuable piece of sports memorabilia. While Bronny’s rookie performance was modest, the excitement of his debut alongside his father makes the moment unforgettable. Like the trading cards chronicling LeBron’s legendary career, this moment will be remembered for years to come.

In both basketball and the world of collectibles, the James family continues to break new ground, ensuring their place in history and the hearts of fans worldwide.

Image source © Topps