LeBron James Recalls Who Got His First Autograph

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Dec 20, 2024 4:42 PM ET

Considering that LeBron James was viewed as an NBA prodigy as a teenager, famously appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated at age 17 in February 2002, the Los Angeles Lakers star has likely been signing thousands of autographs yearly for over two decades.

"I've been signing autographs since the eighth grade," said James.

A reporter with FOX40 in northern California asked James if he remembered the first time anybody asked him for his autograph.

"Probably my mom, maybe my mom was probably the first one. I do remember practicing on signatures ... What it would look like if someone asked me for an autograph, and I think that was sixth, seventh grade."

Who was LeBron James' first autograph for?

"Probably my mom."

Via: @FOX40 pic.twitter.com/IFWKo5TK5U
— cllct (@cllctMedia) December 20, 2024

According to ebay's recent sales , a LeBron James autographed rookie card sold for $27,400 on December 18. A signed Cleveland Cavaliers jersey sold for $19,000 on December 12.

James began playing organized basketball in the fifth grade. He attended St. Vincent-St. Mary for high school, leading the team to a 27-0 record and a Division III state title as a freshman.

In the 2003 NBA Draft, James was the No. 1 pick by his hometown team, the Cavaliers. A four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, four-time MVP, 20-time All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist, LeBron is one of the most decorated and accomplished athletes in all sports.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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