At a Glance
- LeBron James will debut a commemorative patch during Monday’s game in Sacramento
- The patch celebrates his record-setting 23rd NBA season
- After each game, the patch will be removed and inserted into Topps trading cards
- Why it matters: Fans can own a piece of history as James extends the league’s longevity record
LeBron James is about to make the number 23 even more meaningful. The 41-year-old superstar will wear a special jersey patch honoring his unprecedented 23rd NBA season when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Sacramento Kings on Monday.
Patch Design and Debut
The patch sits over James’ upper right chest and reads “23 NBA Seasons.” It features a silhouette of James performing his signature chalk toss. Three colored stripes represent the franchises he has played for – the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
James chose Sacramento for the unveiling because the city marks two milestones in his career. He made his NBA debut there in 2003, scoring 25 points as an 18-year-old rookie. Monday’s game returns him to the same court with 42,601 career points and a new record in reach.
From Jersey to Trading Card
Topps, which regained NBA licensing rights in October after a 16-year hiatus, masterminded the patch program. After each contest, the Lakers’ equipment manager will:
- Remove the patch from the jersey
- Date and document it on video
- Ship it to Topps’ authentication facility in Dallas
- Insert the patch into a limited-edition trading card
The process mirrors Topps’ earlier “Debut Patch” series for rookies and gold NBA logo patches for award winners, both of which were later embedded into cards.
Business Side of the Memorabilia Deal
James signed an exclusive trading card and memorabilia agreement with Fanatics in 2024. Fanatics acquired Topps in 2022, aligning the patch project with James’ personal endorsement portfolio.
Chasing Another Record
Entering Monday, James is averaging 21.9 points, 6.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds this season. With 46 regular-season games left on the Lakers schedule, he trails former Boston Celtics center Robert Parish by 30 games for the most career appearances in league history.
Quick Facts About LeBron James
- Four-time NBA champion
- League’s all-time leading scorer
- Only player to reach a 23rd season
- Debuted in 2003; now playing in 2026
The patch will remain on his jersey for every regular-season game left this year, ensuring each matchup carries an extra piece of collectible history.
