Published 12:11 IST, August 10th 2020

LeBron James rookie card auction winner explains process of acquiring prized possession

The winner of the LeBron James rookie card worth $1.5 million explains the process on the auction site and how he acquired the prized card.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Last month, LeBron James' rookie card was sold at an auction for a record-breaking $1.5 million. Collector Leore Avidar won Rookie Patch rare item, which is signed by Los Angeles Lakers icon himself. During a recent episode of Bleacher Reports' Lefkoe Show with am Lefkoe, Avidar detailed process behind acquiring exquisite autographed card. 

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Leore Avidar auction process for LeBron James rookie card explained by collector himself

While Leore Avidar spoke about various things including how sports card market is exploding right w, conversation was highlighted by his explanation about final moments before y won card. Avidar explained that at Goldin Auctions and or auction sites, tie goes to people who have bid first. Avidar revealed that when auction was at $1.4 million, y risked bidding $1.5 million hoping that or bidder was maxed out. ir gamble paid off, as bid increased to $1.5 million and even gave m an vant in case of a tie. 

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Lefkoe asked Avidar to also explain process during closing hours, where re is a recurring thirty-minute timer provided if people want to place a higher bid. Avidar ded that atmosphere got "really heated" with two minutes to go, and y counted down last 20 seconds. Avidar stated that one expects a bid of such a high stake when only seconds are remaining. He showed off card on camera, while also discussing card gring and how it could be more consistent in future. To anyone looking to buy and tre cards, Avidar highlighted two details one must always kw – serial number and scarcity. To conclude, Avidar showed some of his favourite cards of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant. 

After card was sold, Action Network's Darren Rovell spoke about collectors like Avidar viewing cards as stock.  card was originally a part of a set that retailed for $125 which was released by Upper Deck Exquisite after James was drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Goldin Auctions described card by writing that  'incomparable superstar has penned a vivid blue ink signature on obverse of this fantastic collectable'. y ded that  'congratulatory statement on card's back attests to aunticity of signature and genuineness of patch component and serves as Upper Deck’s COA'. 

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Also re | LeBron James rookie card value could be $1 MILLION at auction: Lakers LeBron James rookie card worth

Leore Avidar net worth: Avidar's SaaS company 'Lob' and card collecting

According to Latka, Avidar and his company were worth around $40 million in 2018. Leore, who co-founded company with Harry Zhang, previously worked at Amazon as a Technical Business Developer. Leore, who is kwn to buy and tre cards among or items, has also worked as a trer at Citi Group. In 2017, Leore and Zhang were houred on Forbes’ annual “30 Under 30” list for "Lob.com", a software company that helps organizations man and send large volumes of physical mail as easily as emails. 

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LeBron James stats

James was . 1 overall pick by Cavaliers in 2003 when he won  Rookie of Year award while averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. James has won three NBA championships over years and is currently playing for Los Angeles Lakers. 35-year-old star is at  NBA bubble at present Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Lakers will play ir penultimate seeding game on Monday, 9:00 PM EST (Tuesday, 6:30 AM IST) against Denver Nuggets. 

DISCLAIMER: above information is sourced from various websites/ media reports. This website does t guarantee 100% accuracy of figures.

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(Im source: NBA and Goldin Auctions websites)

12:11 IST, August 10th 2020