2005 Exquisite Number Pieces Michael Jordan LeBron James PATCH AUTO /23 PSA AUTH

The Cavaliers had a problem by the time the 2006 postseason rolled around—LeBron James’ skills had become so superior to his teammates that none of them could replicate game situations for him in practice. “We can’t create a matchup that challenges him,” said assistant coach Hank Egan. “We can double him, but we can only do that for so long because we have to run our own stuff.” Though only 21 years old, LeBron had established himself as one of the best players in the game. No player had averaged better than 30 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game since Michael Jordan in 1991-92—so, naturally, Jordan became the answer to Cleveland’s problem. Chicago’s coaches sometimes made Jordan switch from the winning team to the losing team during practice scrimmages as a means of motivation. Jordan later credited the strategy for helping him become a six-time NBA champion. “Every day in practice was like that to me. It was a competition,” Jordan said. “So, when the game comes, there’s nothing that I haven’t already practiced. It’s a routine. Whatever happens in the game now, ‘Okay, I’ve done this before.’” Former Bulls assistant coach Johnny Bach recommended the strategy to Cavs head coach Mike Brown to get more meaningful practice time out of LeBron, who—like Jordan—would usually rally the losing team back for the win. “At first, I don’t think (LeBron) understood what we were doing,” Brown said. “Then, since he’s so competitive, he’d get into it.” Collectors will channel the competitive nature of both players in this month’s Premier Auction for this PSA Authentic example of this incredible 2005 Exquisite Collection /23 Number Pieces Dual Patch Auto of LeBron and Jordan. Featuring game-worn jersey patches from both players in the shape of a “23,” this is one offering serious hoops collectors will want on their team. The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 03/04/2025.