LeBron James 2004 Cleveland Cavaliers Rookie Year Game Worn Sneakers

Presented with letter from Sheila James,

Property of an American Collector

The conversation regarding the greatest basketball player of all time may forever continue to be up for debate, but one thing is for sure, LeBron James will always be a central figure in that discussion. At 38 years old, having just completed his 20th season in the NBA, James’ resume puts him on many NBA fans' Mount Rushmore.

What isn’t up for debate is that no player has entered the NBA with more hype than LeBron. 

The Akron, Ohio native was branded as ‘The Chosen One’ on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a high school junior. By the time he was selected with the 1st overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, many expected James to be the franchise’s savior. 

‘King James’ did not disappoint. 

As a 19-year old rookie, James averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists and helped the Cavaliers win 18 more games than the previous season. For his efforts, he earned Rookie of the Year honors. 

Sotheby’s is proud to present these Nike sneakers worn by LeBron James during his rookie year with the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

The sneakers have been photomatched by Sports Investors Authentication to March 23, 2004. On that date, the Cavaliers were defeated 103-86 by the Phoenix Suns at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. James recorded 25 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block in the game. 

SIA also identified an ‘Apparent Photomatch’ to April 6, 2004, when the Cavaliers narrowly lost 87-86 to the Toronto Raptors. LeBron scored 21 points and added 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. 

A 4-time NBA champion, 4-time league MVP, 4-time Finals MVP, and 2-time Olympic gold medalist (to name just a few accolades), James recently passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and currently sits at 4th place on the all-time assist leaderboard. He has played more NBA playoff games than anyone in the league's history and holds countless NBA records. Defying any reasonable expectations, LeBron is hardly even slowing down. 

Also a savvy businessman, LeBron is also the first player to receive a lifetime deal from Nike, and his off-court endeavors have made him the first active NBA player to become a billionaire. He joined Michael Jordan as only the second NBA player to reach billionaire status in the history of the league. 

The sneakers are accompanied by a photomatch letter and graphics from Sports Investors Authentication.