LeBron James’ Grip Powder Auctions For $2,150

A bottle of grip powder that LeBron James used in the Lakers-Cavaliers game on Jan. 28 sold at auction for $2,150 via The Realest, The Realest Technically, the recent sequence involved a high-profile opponent simply performing his pre-game ritual. Historically, LeBron James ’ chalk toss also galvanized the Cleveland Cavaliers during two stints there as their hometown superstar.

So shortly after James used a bottle of grip powder during the Los Angeles Lakers ’ game against Cleveland on Jan. 28, the Cavaliers sold the item at auction for $2,150. The Realest , which partners with professional athletes, teams and leagues directly to authenticate sports collectibles, noted that it became the highest-selling non-jersey item out of the 44 collectibles sold in its first official auction with the Cavaliers.

Perhaps not surprising since James guided Cleveland to its first NBA championship in franchise history nearly a decade ago. “It’s the story. People remember things that are unique,” Scott Keeney, The Realest Founder and CEO, told Forbes.

“What is the image that was plastered in downtown Cleveland for so many years? This is a tangible artifact of that. ” So much that Keeney said a prospective buyer offered to purchase the grip powder bottle for $3,000 through the secondary market the day after the auction closed.