2003 Topps Chrome Black Refractor LeBron James ROOKIE /500 #111 BGS 8.5 NM-MT+

Before LeBron James arrived in Cleveland, the Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons did not have an intense rivalry, but Topps seemingly predicted the future when producing LeBron’s 2003 Topps Chrome rookie card. As LeBron developed, the teams became fierce Eastern Conference foes, and he took some of his first shots in the budding rivalry during a preseason game on October 7, 2003. Allen Einstein, Detroit’s team photographer, captured an image of LeBron shooting a jumper over Ben Wallace during that game, and Topps used it for LeBron’s revered Chrome rookie card. Topps gave the rookies more appeal in the Chrome set by updating the photos, giving most of them NBA action shots instead of the draft night or college photos found on most rookie cards in the flagship Topps set. The shot of LeBron’s shot over Wallace remains one of the most enduring images of LeBron’s illustrious cardboard career. And that reverence is only enhanced by the addition of sleek Black Refractor shine. While veteran Black Refractors were not numbered, rookie Black Refractors were limited to a print run /500, adding an extra level of scarcity to this now-iconic LBJ RC. Learn more about the King's Topps Chrome printings in our Guide to LeBron James Topps Chrome Refractors: https://www.fanaticscollect.com/definitive-guides/a-guide-to-lebron-james-topps-chrome-refractors The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 06/09/2025.