LeBron James' infamous traffic ticket goes for $8,500 at auction

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images - Source: Imagn
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images (image credit: IMAGN)

A LeBron James memorabilia, a traffic ticket, was auctioned for $8,500. It was issued to him before he entered the NBA in 2003, when he was stopped for having no rear license plate on his vehicle. The ticket, which could be his first, was sold at an online auction.

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Fanatics Collect shared a picture of it on Instagram, which had James' signature.

"In 2003, LeBron James was pulled over in a traffic stop in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. The 18-year-old received a ticket for not having a rear license plate on his Hummer H2," Fanatics Collect wrote.
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The ticket is infamous as the Lakers star received it while driving his controversial Hummer H2. At the time, the source of the vehicle was investigated by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. It believed the car was a reward for his athletic achievement, which would have gone against its amateur bylaws.

Upon further investigation, the commission found out the vehicle was gifted by James mom, taking out a $50,000 loan against her son’s future earning power. The controversy surrounding the car and the timing of the ticket made the memorabilia a sought-after item.

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It was listed on Goldin.com, and according to the website, the sale was made on Sept. 29, with 22 bids placed.

LeBron James reflects on valuable advice he received from Pat Riley: "We're here for a reason."

During Wednesday's episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast, LeBron James opened up on a valuable lesson he learned from Pat Riley. James, who spent considerable time with him during his tenure with the Miami Heat, reflected on it.

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"One thing that I learned from Pat Riley," James said. "Like, he always would say, 'Listen, we're here for a reason. We're here to do a job. You know, enjoy it, but keep the main thing, the main thing.'"

James won his first NBA championship with the Heat in 2012. After winning his second in 2013, he has since added two more titles, one with the Cavaliers and another with the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez
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