LeBron James signs with 76ers as rare Kobe-Bryant card heads

LeBron James will start his 24th NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers after informing the Los Angeles Lakers he will play elsewhere this year.

The 41-year-old forward signed a two-year $8 million deal with a player option through Klutch Sports, choosing Philadelphia for his final championship pursuit.

James had kept the NBA on hold during free agency as teams waited for his decision before ultimately picking the 76ers over staying in Los Angeles.

What makes the upcoming Kobe-Bryant LeBron James card so valuable?

A one-of-a-kind 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection card featuring autographs and game-worn jersey patches from both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant will hit public auction for the first time this month.

The card was privately held for nearly two decades before being graded PSA 8 by Professional Sports Authenticator last month.

It comes from the same set as the Bryant-Jordan Dual Logoman that sold for $12.93 million in August 2025, still the record for a public auction sports card.

Similar James-Bryant cards from 2004-05 and 2009-10 have sold for $840,000 and $1.16 million respectively in recent years.

Alt marketplace declined to set a pre-sale estimate but confirmed the consignment marks a significant win for the platform.

How does Charles Barkley view LeBron James' longevity in year 24?

NBA legend Charles Barkley questioned LeBron James' effectiveness despite acknowledging his remarkable 24th season in the league.

Barkley suggested that putting up good numbers does not always mean being impactful on the court.\n He joined the conversation as James prepares for his milestone season with Philadelphia after Lakers departure.

Barkley's comments reflect ongoing debate about whether James can sustain elite performance at age 41 in his first year with the 76ers.

Why is an 8-year-old horse being compared to LeBron James?

Gold Phoenix an 8-year-old Irish-bred gelding earned comparisons to LeBron James for defying Father Time in horse racing.

The horse trained by Gary Fenton and Billy Koch aims to win the Del Mar Handicap for a fifth straight year on September 2 2026.

A victory would match Kelso as the only North American thoroughbred to win the same major stakes race five consecutive times.

Koch said hearing Gold Phoenix mentioned alongside LeBron James gave him chills given the horse's sustained success since arriving in the U.S. In 2022.

Gold Phoenix has won a dozen races with over $2.5 million in earnings all but one in graded stakes since his 2022 debut.

• LeBron James signs two-year $8 million contract with Philadelphia 76ers for 24th NBA season
• 2007-08 LeBron James-Kobe Bryant dual autograph card graded PSA 8 heads to first public auction
• Charles Barkley questions LeBron James' impact despite 24th season milestone
• Gold Phoenix horse seeks fifth straight Del Mar Handicap win drawing LeBron James comparisons