There are players in every generation that come into a league and completely transform a franchise, a city and a league itself. Players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Tim Duncan took downward teams and turned them into contenders and title winners. Arguably, no other player had a bigger impact on a city and franchise than LeBron James. The Akron, Ohio native single-handedly resuscitated a dying franchise and took the Cavaliers and the city of Cleveland to new heights.

After being the first overall pick in the draft in 2003, James burst onto the scene and lived up to his high expectations by averaging 20.9 points per game en route to winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. This is one of his rookie season jerseys, of a career that has seen him win four MVP awards and three NBA championships, including the most recent triumph with Cleveland that got the city its first major sports title since the 1964 Cleveland Browns. This red mesh road jersey that was worn by James has been photo matched by both the MeiGray Group and Resolution Photomatching to the November 7th game against Indiana, where he scored 23 points and on November 12 against Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat, where he tallied 18 points. These were the fifth and eighth games of his already stellar career. This was also the first career match up against the legendary combination of Dwayne Wade and LeBron James who would go on to win multiple World Titles together as teammate in Miami.

“CLEVELAND” is sewn across the front with his number “23” below in white and gold tackle twill. The left shoulder contains the NBA logo, while the lower front tail has the “REEBOK” manufacturers tag with attached “2003-04” year and “50 2LB” size tag. The back of the jersey has his name “JAMES” stitched across the back with the number “23” below, all in white and gold tackle twill. The sides of the jersey have a thick gold stripe edged with red and white stripes. The jersey shows light to moderate use and comes with LOAs from the MeiGray Group and from Resolution Photomatching (426398), who have both photo matched this jersey to the November 7th and 12th games of his rookie season.

Please note that this lot has a 25% Buyer’s Premium (28% if payment is made using a credit card and/or is not paid within 10 days of invoice). Goldin Auctions will be donating 5% of the winning bid price to The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

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