Best LeBron to invest in?

[yanksfan0134]

I do not collect basketball, but as a collector, I want to invest in a reasonably priced Lebron rookie. I read an article recently about how his cards are at an all time high. Would it be best for me to wait until the offseason to grab one, or is there value to be had out there right now?

[ThoseBackPages]

Budget?

[brewtown107]

Wait until after the Lakers lose in the playoffs. That will be a buying opportunity.

[asujbl]

I think the Upper Deck and/or Fleer (since both are pretty iconic brands) at around $400ish a piece are probably the way to go.

Depends on what you consider reasonable though.

The cheapest one out there is probably UD MVP (that isn't an insert) and that's like $250 right now. Not sure he has anything lower than that.

[CC_123]

Wait until after the Lakers lose in the playoffs. That will be a buying opportunity.

Thats a risky move, however. Lakers might not lose in the playoffs, and if thats the case, LeBron rookies are going to hit a entirely different level.

[ragingbull]

Upper Deck Victory is the cheapest. Its pretty underrated, IMHO.

[Disco187]

i Would go bowman chrome or topps as far as reasonable price range

[asujbl]

Upper Deck Victory is the cheapest. Its pretty underrated, IMHO.

It's definitely not the cheapest if you're going graded (as it's a tough grade)

It definitely is cheap if you're just want a raw rookie card

[OldManLightning]

prizm silvers for modern. i feel like older stuff is out of reach.

[Beavers98]

I wish I would have kept all my "low" end Lebron RC's that were graded. Sold them for peanuts thinking well if that haven't gone up in the past 15+ years they probably won't and move them. Yikes. I was wrong...

Any RC looks solid now. If T.Chrome has gotten out of each, base Topps is nice but rising. Then really anything...

[goldkobe]

Wait until after the Lakers lose in the playoffs. That will be a buying opportunity.

this :)!

[rats60]

Wait until after the Lakers lose in the playoffs. That will be a buying opportunity.

That will be several years from now and LeBron's cards will be a lot higher.

[brewtown107]

That will be several years from now and LeBron's cards will be a lot higher.

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

[ThoseBackPages]

as ive been saying for a bit now, buy his (and TB12s) Upper Deck RC

[asujbl]

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

He clearly meant miss the Playoffs.

[ninjacookies]

This is a tricky one.


Lakers are, in many peoples' minds, the favorite to win it all, especially with the added incentive of doing it for Kobe.

But many of his rc's have undergone basically a parabolic move within the last year. He's without a doubt the best player of the past 20 years, but I'm curious if this sudden jump is sustainable, at least short term (assuming they don't win it all). That seems to be the overall card market in general though. Have to have deep pockets to get your feet wet.

[Skippy]

You can find a great deal on raw Lebron James SP Authentic RC Autos. The price widely fluctuates (1-2.5k difference) based off buyers speculating on the condition grade, but they can be had for less than $10k. I think its a pretty safe investment, as high graded versions have sold for $30k. Numbered to /500, and not crazy expensive as Exquisite and Ultimate Collection.

[Skippy]

My bad, I reread the thread and thought you wanted a RC auto. For non auto rc's, I would just go for a plain Jane Topps. You can't go wrong with that choice.

[goldkobe]

This is a tricky one.


Lakers are, in many peoples' minds, the favorite to win it all, especially with the added incentive of doing it for Kobe.

But many of his rc's have undergone basically a parabolic move within the last year. He's without a doubt the best player of the past 20 years, but I'm curious if this sudden jump is sustainable, at least short term (assuming they don't win it all). That seems to be the overall card market in general though. Have to have deep pockets to get your feet wet.

I highly doubt Lakers can win the title this year even tho I want them to win. I think if they don't win, the price would drop a bit in the off season, but it won't be much as Lebron already build his legacy as Jordan and Kobe. He will retire as one of the best ever played the game.

[asujbl]

I highly doubt Lakers can win the title this year even tho I want them to win. I think if they don't win, the price would drop a bit in the off season, but it won't be much as Lebron already build his legacy as Jordan and Kobe. He will retire as one of the best ever played the game.

Here is the trick...

If the Lakers don't win the Championship (say either NBA Finals or Conference Finals) will the "drop" in value be at a higher percentage than the "increase" in value if they do win?

Meaning if Topps Chrome is a $5,000 card during the Playoffs... and they lose... does it drop 10% down to $4,500? Does it drop 20% down to $4,000?

But what if they win? Does it increase more than 10%?

I could see it going down at a smaller % than the increase in % if they win. I think it explodes, more than we can even imagine, if they win the Title. If they lose? As long as they are close people aren't going to start dumping... It's Brady not winning a Super Bowl

I don't know the answer. It's worth thinking about though whether the Lakers are going to win it all or not.

Now if they got knocked out in the 1st round? You might have bigger issue.

[amex]

2003 eTopps rookie.

It can still be had for $500ish in a psa 10. It's chrome, it's a refractor. Supposedly numbered to 10000, but who knows how many really made it out? You never see more than 15-20 (actual cards, not psa 10s) listed at a time. Card was only $200 a few weeks ago.

[asujbl]

2003 eTopps rookie.

It can still be had for $500ish in a psa 10. It's chrome, it's a refractor. Supposedly numbered to 10000, but who knows how many really made it out? You never see more than 15-20 listed at a time. Card was only $200 a few weeks ago.

And 90 out of 100 people couldn't even tell you what it looked like.

I'm sure it's a nice card, and probably undervalued, but it's not one I'd be "investing" in compared to all the others

[bmf]

if you have the scratch, the #1 LeBron to get is easily the exquisite 03-04 RPA, either the /23 gold parallel RPA or base /99 RPA. everything else is a long-distance second place and lower.

[ninjacookies]

I highly doubt Lakers can win the title this year even tho I want them to win. I think if they don't win, the price would drop a bit in the off season, but it won't be much as Lebron already build his legacy as Jordan and Kobe. He will retire as one of the best ever played the game.

Agreed...there's no speculation with Lebron...his legacy is set in stone even if his career ends tomorrow.

But his prices are just as susceptible to manipulation as any other player on the market. I'm not saying all his card have been shilled, but we've seen similar things occur in the Jordan market as well. Sudden inexplicable price surges, followed by a dip...then another surge again.

I only managed to snatch one psa 10 chrome lbj back when prices were still reasonable (I realize that's a subjective term). But I can't help but think Garyboi may have been behind the moonshot ride. In any case, I thank him, but am extremely hesitant to jump back in for more anytime soon, even if that means I may miss out.

[goldkobe]

Here is the trick...

If the Lakers don't win the Championship (say either NBA Finals or Conference Finals) will the "drop" in value be at a higher percentage than the "increase" in value if they do win?

Meaning if Topps Chrome is a $5,000 card during the Playoffs... and they lose... does it drop 10% down to $4,500? Does it drop 20% down to $4,000?

But what if they win? Does it increase more than 10%?

I could see it going down at a smaller % than the increase in % if they win. I think it explodes, more than we can even imagine, if they win the Title. If they lose? As long as they are close people aren't going to start dumping... It's Brady not winning a Super Bowl

I don't know the answer. It's worth thinking about though whether the Lakers are going to win it all or not.

Now if they got knocked out in the 1st round? You might have bigger issue.

I agree with you, if they lose, it will drop a small percentage. But if they win, boy , not many people would be able to afford lebron anymore hahaha

[amex]

And 90 out of 100 people couldn't even tell you what it looked like.

I'm sure it's a nice card, and probably undervalued, but it's not one I'd be "investing" in compared to all the others

I like those odds when so few are even available, especially when you have registry crack addicts.

[amex]

There's not even a single PSA card in any grade listed right now. A BIN was listed and hit almost immediately at $525 last night.

[goldkobe]

I would invest in lebron’s early none rookie stuff. Like his Topps Chrome & Finest in the 00s. Those cards are beautiful but affordable compare to his rookie cards and I believe would be eventually become “ Lebron’s 90s” cards like 90s card for Jordan and Kobe

[Durantula]

All Lakers „Rookies“

He will retire as a Laker and break a few more records as a Laker. If he wins the title for Kobe his Prizms and Holos will 🛫

[Jdan67]

03/04 topps pristine refractor #101. Could be had sub 1K, but someone’s been buying lately. Beautiful card in hand and numbered. Checks most boxes for a nice chase. If have more to spend, Finest refractor has some catching up to do.

[21Pittsburgh58]

03-04 Black Diamond RC has easily the coolest photo and is underrated in my opinion.

[amex]

03-04 Black Diamond RC has easily the coolest photo and is underrated in my opinion.

Concurred.

[ThoseBackPages]

what are the BD 10s going for nowadays? its not an easy card

[asujbl]

Am I the only one that likes the Fleer?

I get you guys like pictures (I don’t care) but it’s an iconic brand and currently around $400 for a PSA 10

I feel like you need a LeBron Fleer if you have a Jordan Fleer

I bet Kobe is also pennies compared to the Topps

I know I bought a Duncan Fleer the other day for dirt cheap

[ThoseBackPages]

Am I the only one that likes the Fleer?

I get you guys like pictures (I don’t care) but it’s an iconic brand and currently around $400 for a PSA 10

I feel like you need a LeBron Fleer if you have a Jordan Fleer

I bet Kobe is also pennies compared to the Topps

I know I bought a Duncan Fleer the other day for dirt cheap

i like the fleer, but i like the UD more

[asujbl]

i like the fleer, but i like the UD more

I’m good with that. UD sells about the same.

I just like the symmetry with Jordan when the Fleer is so cheap compared to other brands (ain’t cheap but relative)

[ThoseBackPages]

I’m good with that. UD sells about the same.

I just like the symmetry with Jordan when the Fleer is so cheap compared to other brands (ain’t cheap but relative)

i totally agree (i also have the Fleer for the very reason you mentioned)

[Patsguy5000]

What about the Fleer Tradition with Wade and Melo? Other than the Bird, Magic, Dr. J RC, cards with multiple players don’t do as well, even though all 3 will be HOFers.

[asujbl]

What about the Fleer Tradition with Wade and Melo? Other than the Bird, Magic, Dr. J RC, cards with multiple players don’t do as well, even though all 3 will be HOFers.

Bron, Darko, and Melo is better

Have to have 1,2,3

Not biased

[amex]

Agree with the Fleer sentiment. Many are vastly underrated and my wallet appreciates that!

[cowboyzqna]

I am very happy with the topps I picked up a few wewks ago. Just a base low end rc but a nice card... And it looks like it has gone up a bit recently. Hopefully it grades strong :)

[skycat]

Collector choice is reasonable.

Topp Bazooka ain't bad either.

Lebron Finest Xrc is nice too.

[Willikn]

I've spammed these threads with the same rambling so I'll effort to keep it simple. As always, don't buy an investment. Buy the card(s) you like the most and you can't lose.

There are literally thousands of "Gem" grade Topps flagship James rookies. The people paying for these right now will eventually look to buy some of the others. Close to a thousand of the Fleer.

When these folks get to the UD RCs there will be a heavy shock. The BD already mentioned and that's not the only one. Nearly all at 100 or less (BGS + PSA) and many of those with a hair cut. Most of them less than 1,000 made. Some less than 500.

Think about the Brady RCs. No one cares that Flair Showcase, Leaf Limited or the R&S isn't a (insert PWCC marketing term here, Icon/Flagship/Legacy/whatever). The impossible Bradys grab monster numbers. The easy UD James RCs were one in every seven boxes. The serial #d James RCs, one RC per box. Never mind how condition sensitive they are. If you didn't know, more the one James Topps RC (about 1.5) in every box.

Check the population reports. Check how few UD RCs appear on Ebay even now. The, "no one knows what one looks like" thought, man why is that? How many collectors could pick the Exquisite out of lineup?

[asujbl]

I've spammed these threads with the same rambling so I'll effort to keep it simple. As always, don't buy an investment. Buy the card(s) you like the most and you can't lose.

There are literally thousands of "Gem" grade Topps flagship James rookies. The people paying for these right now will eventually look to buy some of the others. Close to a thousand of the Fleer.

When these folks get to the UD RCs there will be a heavy shock. The BD already mentioned and that's not the only one. Nearly all at 100 or less (BGS + PSA) and many of those with a hair cut. Most of them less than 1,000 made. Some less than 500.

Think about the Brady RCs. No one cares that Flair Showcase, Leaf Limited or the R&S isn't a (insert PWCC marketing term here, Icon/Flagship/Legacy/whatever). The impossible Bradys grab monster numbers. The easy UD James RCs were one in every seven boxes. The serial #d James RCs, one RC per box. Never mind how condition sensitive they are. If you didn't know, more the one James Topps RC (about 1.5) in every box.

Check the population reports. Check how few UD RCs appear on Ebay even now. The, "no one knows what one looks like" thought, man why is that? How many collectors could pick the Exquisite out of lineup?

We know

[Willikn]

We know

You have my apologies

[StrongandFree86]

03-04 Black Diamond RC has easily the coolest photo and is underrated in my opinion.

I bought this card a few weeks ago, a BGS 9.5, my first Lebron rookie.

[KhalDrogo]

Any LeBron RC is a good LeBron RC. Buy one you like. Don't pay more than you're comfortable with. And either buy raw, or use good judgement in buying graded copies.

[minnesotachill]

I've been buying Lebron Fleer Retro inserts for the past 2 years and I am having a blast.

It wasn't until recently that some of these have started to see prices moving up.

For one Topps Chrome PSA 10 rc, you can buy an entire collection of Retro inserts. They feature him in a HS uniform unfortunately, but to me they sort of have a rookie feel to them.