LeBron James 2016 NBA Finals Cleveland Cavaliers Game Worn Jersey | Game 1 | Championship Clinching Series

The 2016 NBA Finals stand as a defining chapter in the career of LeBron James and, by many accounts, one of the most consequential moments in the history of the sport. In leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA Championship, James not only fulfilled his promise to deliver a long-awaited title to his native Northeast Ohio, but also orchestrated the most dramatic comeback in Finals history—overcoming a 3–1 series deficit against a record-setting 73-win Golden State Warriors team.

The present jersey, worn during Game 1 of that historic series, marks the beginning of what would become the most iconic Finals performance of LeBron James’ career, and arguably of any modern NBA player. To Sotheby’s knowledge, it is the first of LeBron’s 2016 NBA Finals jerseys to become available to the public since the NBA sold them in 2016. This jersey was worn during the second half of the game.

On June 2, 2016, inside Oracle Arena, James wore this jersey as he took the floor against the Warriors for a rematch of the previous year’s Finals. James finished the game with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Over the following six games, he would elevate his performance to an unprecedented level—ultimately leading all players in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks for the series, the first and only time such a feat has been accomplished in NBA Finals history.

In Game 7, James would deliver a performance for the ages, including the legendary “chase-down block” on Andre Iguodala with under two minutes remaining—a moment that has since become an enduring symbol of tenacity and defensive brilliance. The Cavaliers’ victory not only ended a 52-year championship drought for the city of Cleveland, but also redefined LeBron James’ place in the basketball pantheon. No longer merely a generational talent, he became an icon of competitive will, team leadership, and athletic legacy.

Beyond the court, LeBron James has become one of the most powerful and culturally influential athletes of his era. A four-time NBA Champion and four-time MVP, his accomplishments span business, media, and philanthropy, including the groundbreaking I PROMISE School and his production company SpringHill Entertainment, which champions stories of empowerment and equity.

This jersey—worn at the threshold of his most transformative triumph—serves as a physical embodiment of James’ competitive greatness and cultural resonance. Its connection to the series that delivered Cleveland its long-awaited championship imbues it with unmatched historical gravity.

The jersey has been photomatched by MeiGray, and has provenance directly from the National Basketball Association.