LeBron James’ Grip Powder Auctions For $2,150

BusinessSportsMoneyLeBron James’ Grip Powder Auctions For $2,150ByMark Medina,Contributor.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. MORE FOR YOUJames Harden’s first home Cavs jersey vs the Washington Wizards on Feb. 11...