Hardwood Hobby | LeBron and Bronny James Head Home

A Look at The King’s Best Cards From His Time In The Land

Tomorrow will be a unique homecoming for the James family, as LeBron and his son and teammate Bronny, head back to where it all began. On the court, the James’ Los Angeles squad have started the season well. With a refined offense and a dominant Anthony Davis, they head to Cleveland to face a team on the rise, that is yet to lose a game.

While LeBron and Bronny have already made history with their father-son debut on opening night, Thursday’s game should just as emotional, as the two Kids From Akron take on their hometown team in the arena LeBron made his own for so many years.

As Topps Now celebrates the historic teaming up of father and son, with a Father/Son Debut release that includes a 1/1 dual auto commemorating the moment, let’s take a trip down memory lane, with some of the very best cards of The King, from his time on the throne in Cleveland.

LeBron in the Land

From the moment Cleveland learned they would be getting the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, the trajectory of the franchise changed forever. Season ticket sales soared, and expectations went through the roof, as the possibility of LeBron James’ selection completely re-energized the organization. To no one’s surprise, Cleveland held serve at the top of the draft.

2003/04 Topps Basketball #221 LeBron James RC

James made his NBA debut against Sacramento on October 29, 2003 and put on a remarkable 25-point, six-rebound, nine-assist, and four-steal effort. After the game, a confident James said, “I was able to make a lot of moves I made in high school. I just had to bring a lot more power. They’re a lot stronger in the NBA. Most of the moves I used in high school I used out here.” The league was on notice – The Chosen One had arrived.

2003/04 Topps Chrome Basketball #111 LeBron James Gold Refractor RC /50 

LeBron became appointment viewing right away during his first stint in Cleveland. Team success would come, with a first trip to the finals in 2007. The first MVP for James followed in 2009. He took home his second a year later. While accepting the award, James paid tribute to his home. “Since I was a kid, I always said I’d find a way to put Akron on the map. It will always be my home and it will always be my life.”

While a championship would have to wait, James’ seven-year chapter in his home state saw him ascend to the throne as the unquestioned best player in basketball, and the enduring desirability of James’ cards from this era stands as a testament to his special place in basketball and The Hobby.

2003/04 Topps Finest Basketball #133 LeBron James Gold Refractor RC /25 

By 2014, James was a champion, a global icon, and already one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. But, he had unfinished business. The result was an incredible return to the city where it all started. After carrying a beat-up Cleveland team to an honorable six-game defeat to Golden State in the finals, James willed his team back to the championship the very next year – and then willed it back from a 3-1 series get revenge on one the greatest basketball teams of all-time.

2008/09 Topps Chrome Basketball #23 LeBron James Red Refractor /5  

Now in the final chapter of his illustrious career, LeBron returns to Cleveland with his son Bronny for the only time in this year’s regular season. While there’s no indication LeBron is planning to retire anytime soon, this is a moment to cherish in the long and distinguished career of The King.

2008/09 Topps Chrome Basketball #24 Kobe Bryant Gold Refractor /50

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