Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted LeBron James #1 overall in 2003 — the origin of his career and the home of his 2003-04 rookie cards. The natural starting point for any LeBron collection.

City: Cleveland
League: NBA Eastern Conference
Founded: 1970

The Cleveland Cavaliers are where LeBron James’s career began. Drafted #1 overall in 2003 out of nearby Akron, Ohio, he made Cleveland the center of the basketball world overnight — and his 2003-04 rookie cards all show him in a Cavaliers uniform.

Because his rookies were issued during that first Cavs season, the Cavaliers are the natural anchor for the earliest and most important part of a LeBron collection — from Topps Chrome and Upper Deck rookies through the Exquisite RPA. LeBron later moved to the Miami Heat, returned to Cleveland to win the 2016 title, and now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, but the rookie-era demand still centers on his Cavs cards.

Use the player hub and the eBay rails across the site to find live listings for LeBron’s rookies, autographs, and graded cards.

Featured Cleveland Cavaliers Players

Player Guide

LeBron James

Small Forward

Generational icon, 4x NBA champion and 4x MVP — the NBA's all-time scoring leader is one of the most collected athletes in the hobby. Here's the complete overview of collecting his cards, from 2003-04 rookies to modern Panini hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What team drafted LeBron James?

The Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron #1 overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, straight out of St. Vincent–St. Mary High School. His 2003-04 rookie cards feature him in a Cavaliers uniform.

Are Cavaliers-era LeBron cards more collectible?

His rookie cards are all Cavaliers cards, and those 2003-04 rookies are the cornerstone of the LeBron market. He later joined the Miami Heat, returned to Cleveland (winning the 2016 title), and now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers — but the Cavs are where the rookie chase lives.