Why doesn’t PSA grade the 2002 rookie review Lebron?

[miscus555]

Curious

[LC2nine10]

Serious question as I dont know: who manufactured them, and are they real cards?
Surprisingly little info about them.

Thanks!

[mjohnatgt]

Yep. Probably due to being unlicensed. That's the standard reason many of these type of cards are not slabbed by PSA.

[tedwilliamsfan]

Originally Posted by LC2nine10

Serious question as I dont know: who manufactured them, and are they real cards?
Surprisingly little info about them.

Thanks!

They came in a magazine called "Rookie Review." I personally really like the card because Lebron is so young in the picture. I bought a copy for $4 a while ago. It's graded a GAI Mint 9 and states "2002 Rk Review National" on the flip. It's just a nostalgia card for me because I watched Lebron in high school. The back of the card labels him as a Jr. in high school, so that's cool also.

If PSA graded them I think they would be sought after like a Sports Illustrated For Kids type card. Just my opinion, but I think it's worth owning if you really like Lebron.

[miscus555]

So it’s from a magazine just like SI for kids cards but PSA will grade the Tiger Woods. So that doesn’t make sense

[mjohnatgt]

Sports Illustrated has licensing agreements.

[gespaco]

Originally Posted by tedwilliamsfan

They came in a magazine called "Rookie Review." I personally really like the card because Lebron is so young in the picture. I bought a copy for $4 a while ago. It's graded a GAI Mint 9 and states "2002 Rk Review National" on the flip. It's just a nostalgia card for me because I watched Lebron in high school. The back of the card labels him as a Jr. in high school, so that's cool also.

If PSA graded them I think they would be sought after like a Sports Illustrated For Kids type card. Just my opinion, but I think it's worth owning if you really like Lebron.

Correct, the magazines were given out at the 2002 National in Rosemont. The cards were 9 to a sheet and had several different sports on them. I know I have a stack of these cards somewhere because I was working the National that year for a local company I was employed with at the time.

[LC2nine10]

Ah, I vaguely remember that magazine.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/372948854447

[tier1dc]

Originally Posted by miscus555

So it’s from a magazine just like SI for kids cards but PSA will grade the Tiger Woods. So that doesn’t make sense

SI was/is legit. Rookie Review was an unlicensed publication.

[armyml]

Originally Posted by tier1dc

SI was/is legit. Rookie Review was an unlicensed publication.

I used to love my SI for Kids subscription back in the day!

[mjohnatgt]

I still order every so often when relatives are selling magazine subscriptions for $1/issue.

[miscus555]

Ok got it thanks. Isn’t the 85 Jordan star card unlicensed?
Still gets graded. I’m surprised they didn’t make exception to an early Lebron card. I guess because it’s high school?

[glen87]

Originally Posted by miscus555

Ok got it thanks. Isn’t the 85 Jordan star card unlicensed?
Still gets graded. I’m surprised they didn’t make exception to an early Lebron card. I guess because it’s high school?

[glen87]

Originally Posted by miscus555

Ok got it thanks. Isn’t the 85 Jordan star card unlicensed?
Still gets graded. I’m surprised they didn’t make exception to an early Lebron card. I guess because it’s high school?

NO - as you can see, it is licensed by both the NBA and the NBA players.

the lebron is just flat out unlicensed by anyone

[miscus555]

I see that
Thanks for the info sir

[mjohnatgt]

PSA doesn't grade the Star basketball because they can't tell the fakes from the real ones. Not sure BGS can either, but they'll try.

[miscus555]

Since they caved in the Jordan Star is this the LBJ RR’s time? Lol

[mc1]

Originally Posted by miscus555

Since they caved in the Jordan Star is this the LBJ RR’s time? Lol

Star cards were licensed. This junk was not.

[swerve]

Originally Posted by mc1

Star cards were licensed. This junk was not.

Might as well just grade broders while we are at it!

[oldgoldy97]

Because the owner doesn’t have enough of them yet.

[miscus555]

Is Nike Jordan licensed?

[glen87]

Originally Posted by miscus555

Is Nike Jordan licensed?

this one?



if so, who would it need to be licensed by?

there is no mention of the Chicago Bulls (front or back), so no need for NBA licensing. also guessing since Nike had a contract with Jordan, they did this themself, so no need for NBPA licensing.

[miscus555]

Originally Posted by glen87

this one?



if so, who would it need to be licensed by?

there is no mention of the Chicago Bulls (front or back), so no need for NBA licensing. also guessing since Nike had a contract with Jordan, they did this themself, so no need for NBPA licensing.

Yeah that one, PSA grades it so wouldn’t they then grade the LJ Rookie Review since the Nike Jordan card is just some made up card like the James card?