{"id":"PREMIER6458","refId":6458,"auctionType":"PREMIER","gradingService":"BGS","grade":9.0,"year":2003,"category":"Basketball","title":"2003 Exquisite Collection LeBron James ROOKIE PATCH AUTO /99 #78 BGS 9 MINT","purchasePrice":"528000.00","soldDate":"2022-12-15T19:00:00.000 PST","updatedAt":"2022-12-27T15:08:30.000 PST","mediumImage1":"https://dilxwvfkfup17.cloudfront.net/eyJpdiI6InhwWUFFM01OVGJ5UzAzaDFWUEJZWHc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoicjYzRmJRdjNnV0dYS1RyUzcxQXZWUUNMVzFqM085cTJvdjNxNnIweWVad3Y0bDJlWEtqRk83amlwQXVnd0grREdpZHZCR2w2UjdNNzRpcy9wOUp2RFE9PSIsIm1hYyI6IjNjODNkZTA3MTgzY2E5NmI3ODVlNTc1MDYyNGFiYjk2MzEyMjNjYmNjMTBkOTZkZDcxNDA4NTZjN2RmZDQxMWQiLCJ0YWciOiIifQ==","mediumImage2":"https://dilxwvfkfup17.cloudfront.net/eyJpdiI6ImJKY3NQdkUyZnJETVIrbytwdzRQZWc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiZS9EMVhQYnZRb0J6REQ1Q0s1WHNsZ2l5b3FJSFZGWm5NMk1Wem1jV2hyRTljVXJKNXozSTBQOENjbmFqcW1rVXQyYkp2bFJRNlFjVWMzV093bUZoK3c9PSIsIm1hYyI6IjMyN2Y4ODQxZDdjMmVmNjExYTViYmYwNDRiMWQ0YTRlYjA0OWMwMzk2MDM1NGExNjkwYWUwMGFiMjBlYjQ0ODIiLCJ0YWciOiIifQ==","largeImage1":"https://dilxwvfkfup17.cloudfront.net/eyJpdiI6IjVzdFhaQ0xuTXNEbm16UWN0SndMT1E9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiOGJJWVFqbVV6blZFU2l4b1NvV3lkYmpqekxoTytTWURsRHpYcS9sOE16M3hxQzVmR0MrVG54T1ZjTjRVUURYTEdyZ0o1UnhkSGZtTzZlZHYwV3hpU1E9PSIsIm1hYyI6IjMzMmQ1N2YyMjUwNDY5YTkwMzc2NzVhNmQyNTg3M2Y2NGRkODA2YWU0YmZiOTAzNjQ4YWU0ZGJlMjIzMTgyNjAiLCJ0YWciOiIifQ==","largeImage2":"https://dilxwvfkfup17.cloudfront.net/eyJpdiI6IjlWVTdFWWZsa2FvUjVYWDFGM045Z1E9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiOXNWQUZTRWhWUCthcU16alhVTFV0UTdITVZTRFZRMjFDVWVBS3ZvcXBBakUxQjdobUpENXYvak5uNXN2cGJGZFNIV1NKUlBvZ1grRTlIajVkZHltTHc9PSIsIm1hYyI6IjJlNTJhNjA4ZTU1ZTQ5OGY5ZTFjMmZmNjI3Y2Y4ZTIzYjQ5YTYzMDI4ZDU3ZTNiZGVhOTJlZDVmYTEzMWJjZDUiLCJ0YWciOiIifQ==","description":"Health is wealth. And perhaps nobody’s health has more economic and historical upside than LeBron’s. Estimated to have a net worth upwards of one billion dollars, it is no surprise that LeBron invests heftily in all matters related to his physical and mental well-being. While estimates have tallied his health expenses at one and a half million dollars per year, that is chump change in the world of LeBron and his brand. The King leans on trainer Mike Mancias, who quarterbacks everything from LeBron’s diet to his sleep hygiene. As one of the greatest basketball players to step on the hardwood, it is no wonder that LeBron benefits from prioritizing his wellness regimes. At 6-9 and 250 pounds, the 38-year-old has been a professional athlete for more than half his life. And between regular season and playoff games, LeBron’s 63,636 minutes logged (and counting) place him second all-time behind—you guessed it—Kareem Abdul Jabbar. As LeBron is poised to surpass Kareem’s all-time scoring record later this season, the Chosen One’s commitment to health contributes to his high level of play for so many years.  \r\n\r\nNaturally, LeBron has a personal chef. While he has experimented with Paleo and Keto-based diets at various times, he is not attached to diets per se, preferring to simply eat healthy foods. He avoids red meats and relies on high-quality protein and carbs—lots of carbs for lots of minutes played. But LeBron is adamant about avoiding processed foods and does his best to avoid all sugar during the playoffs to maximize his recovery time. Famously, LeBron does have “cheat days,” which can involve elaborate chocolate desserts with his chosen guilty pleasure of a glass of red wine—usually preferring a Bourdeaux (#GoodForMyHeart).  \r\n\r\nAs for working out, Lebron is an early adopter of Cryotherapy (think ice bath). He touts the positive results of the hyperbaric chambers, which boost oxygen levels and mental agility (we will trust LeBron on that front). Utilizing the “Cryo” approach to help with speedy muscle and joint recovery, LeBron engages in an ongoing six-day workout schedule that emphasizes flexibility and strength. Along with free weights and resistance exercises, LeBron incorporates yoga, plyometrics, and spin classes to diversify his routines. Rumor has it that he may start a workout channel after his playing days end. Post-workout hydration has also been critical, as well as his favorite smoothie, the “Peanut Butter Dream,” which includes almond milk, peanut butter, whey, maca, cinnamon, and agave (welcome to California, LeBron). \r\n\r\nWhen it comes to sleep, LeBron is a dedicated advocate. Even a stickler. At minimum, LeBron requires eight hours but prefers upwards of 12. Bronny and Bryce are probably well aware of LeBron’s rules (not to be confused with The Jordan Rules), including optimal room temperature (68-70 degree), no electronics 40 minutes before going to sleep, dark as possible, and using various sleep apps that allow the brain to unwind (LeBron uses an app called Calm). In a postgame interview, LeBron attributed successful performances to getting ample REM sleep. While REM is correctly associated with dreaming, it is also linked to consolidation of memory (think studying game film), positive mood (think team leader and spokesperson), mental focus and concentration (think free throw line, maybe).  \r\n\r\nBut none of this would matter if LeBron did not grace us with his basketball brilliance. And that is a craft that LBJ (not the former president) continues to refine, even as he supports the longevity of his career by investing in his health. The proof is in the pudding: Last year, at the ripe old age of 37, LeBron popped off for two 50-point games in a week. And this year, he is on schedule to track down Kareem sometime around the All-Star game, which might even cause them to speak to each other. The confluence of his current play with his ever-growing historical achievements is validation that his prioritization and commitment to health have been critical to his success.  \r\n\r\nLeBron invests in himself, which may be one of the most compelling reasons for collectors to invest in him. In this spirit, we turn our attention to the 2003 Exquisite Collection RPA. Regarded by most as the quintessential high-end LeBron card in the industry, this issue is preserved in a BGS 9 slab and boasts a boldly blue-penned on-card AUTO 10. The well-known Exquisite brand includes a multi-colored, game-worn patch with the Cleveland colors, pairing wonderfully with the black-and-white trim of the inaugural 2003 release. Bidders will want a good night’s sleep—we are talking REM Stage 5 for some heavy LeBron card dreaming--and to attend to their nutritional needs for this auction. Mental focus and concentration will be at a premium as the collectible industry has this stunner on their watchlist. Optimal performance is predicated on optimal health. And since LeBron has upheld his part of the bargain, it is only appropriate for bidders to do their part to maximize their chances for success. While Cryotherapy may be a little extreme, LeBron’s commitment to his health has inspired the basketball world (and maybe the world at large). If Lebron is willing to invest millions of dollars in himself, what might we be willing to invest in him? The answer will be clarified when the final hammer drops, but in the meantime, you can always do some yoga. If you win this scorcher, you might need to download the Calm app too, because it will be hard to control your elation.","serial":"0005236890","isComplete":true,"paymentStatus":"PAID","itemVariantId":"bbfc75d9-8d21-5828-857f-f02e99b3cfed","listingUuid":"c66a093c-6f4e-11ed-bbe3-06f4b646f3a5","purchasedQuantity":0}