LeBron James’ Grip Powder Auctions For $2,150

SportsMoneyLeBron James’ Grip Powder Auctions For $2,150ByMark Medina, Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. NBA reporterFollow AuthorMay 23, 2026, 08:00am EDTA 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 RealestTechnically, 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. No dice. The original auction transaction stood. The Cavaliers nurse an 0-2 deficit against the New York Knicks entering Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday. But the Cavaliers are considering more auctions after the playoffs and during the 2026-27 season. After all, the Cavaliers also sparked interest in other artifacts, most notably with their game-worn jerseys. James Harden’s first home Cavs jersey vs the Washington Wizards on Feb. 11 sold for $10,525. The Realest said that set a new record as the most expensive game-worn Harden jersey ever sold.The RealestCavs’ game-worn jerseys have sold well on the auction marketFollowing Cleveland’s game against the Washington Wizards on Feb. 11, James Harden’s first home Cavs jersey sold for $10,525 in what marked the most expensive game-worn Harden jersey ever sold. Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell sparked strong offers for his game-worn classic edition jersey against the Lakers on Jan. 28 ($7,500), for his game-worn city edition jersey against the Orlando Magic on March 24 ($6,050) and for his game-worn association jersey against Philadelphia on March 9 ($3,250). Harden also attracted interest for his game-worn association edition jersey against Philadelphia, ($4,006) and for his game-worn city edition jersey against Orlando ($3,250). Fan intrigue didn’t just center on the Cavaliers’ two star guards. Jarrett Allen’s game-worn classic edition jersey against the Lakers on Jan. 28? That sold for $3,000. Jaylon Tyson’s game-worn classic edition jersey in the same game? That sold for $2,830. How about Evan Mobley’s game-worn statement edition jersey against the Detroit Pistons on March 3? That sold for $2,400. No wonder Keeney said the early returns “exceeded our expectations.” Chris Kaiser, the Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, agreed. Shortly after the first official auction, Kaiser texted Keeney to express astonishment over the strong buzz. “We were kind of losing our minds,” Kaiser told Forbes. “We weren’t sure where the demand was going to be. But I think this world, specifically in sports memorabilia, continues to grow. People can find an environment where they know it’s credible, it’s authenticated and it’s real. I’m sure that leads to some of these values continuing to go up. There’s a trust in that market.” Granted, the NBA and some of its teams have forged other partnerships to facilitate purchases with game-worn memorabilia. Since the 2023-24 season, Sotheby has worked with the league in hosting live NBA auctions (New York, Paris) and activations (Abu Dhabi). Sotheby’s sold Cooper Flagg’s debut jersey in February for a record-setting $1 million, which the league said eclipsed Victor Wembanyama’s previous record when his jersey sold for $762,000 in 2023. In March, Sotheby auctioned off various Scottie Pippen’s autographed memorabilia from the 1992 Olympics and from parts of his six NBA Finals appearances. The league said it drove over $6 million in revenue and attracted collectors from 32 different countries. The Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards also have collectible programs and official partnerships. As for the Cavaliers, their partnership with The Realest involves both organizations striving to achieve two goals. “To make sure that a Cavs fan can own any piece of history,” Kaiser said. “People can find an environment where they know it’s credible, it’s authenticated and it’s r

LeBron James’ Grip Powder Auctions For $2,150

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