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LeBron James' $50,000 Hummer H2: A Teenage Superstar's Iconic Memorabilia Hits the Auction Block
- 2024/09/18
- 再生時間： 3 分
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あらすじ・解説
In the annals of sports history, few high school athletes have garnered as much attention as LeBron James, and one of the most enduring symbols of his teenage fame is the 2003 Hummer H2 he received as a birthday gift. This vehicle, now a piece of sports memorabilia, has been making headlines once again as it hit the auction block in late 2018.
### The Gift and the Controversy
LeBron James' mother, Gloria, took out a $50,000 loan to purchase the Hummer H2 for her son's 18th birthday, a gesture that sparked significant controversy. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) investigated the gift, as it potentially violated rules capping gifts at $100. However, after documentation proved that Gloria had indeed taken out the loan herself, the eligibility concerns were resolved, and James was cleared to continue playing.
### Custom Features and Historical Significance
The 2003 Hummer H2 was no ordinary vehicle; it was customized with deluxe features including TVs, a gaming system, and a premium sound system. These additions, along with its association with one of the most promising young athletes of the time, were expected to drive its value far beyond its Kelley Blue Book estimate of approximately $18,000.
### The Auction
In November 2018, the Hummer was put up for auction by Goldin Auctions, with a minimum reserve price of $50,000. Despite predictions from Goldin Auctions president Ken Goldin that the vehicle would "definitely" sell for a six-figure sum, the auction did not meet its reserve price by the deadline.
The auction was part of a larger trend where collectors are willing to pay substantial amounts for items associated with star athletes. For example, Walter Payton's 1979 Porsche recently sold for $324,500, highlighting the significant value attached to such memorabilia.
### Previous Attempts at Sale
This was not the first time the Hummer had been up for sale. In 2013, it was listed on eBay with a "Buy It Now" price of $64,800, but it did not sell at that time. The vehicle had been on display at the Greater Cleveland Auto Auction since its purchase in 2013.
### Legacy and Impact
The Hummer's story is a vivid reminder of the intense scrutiny and hype surrounding LeBron James during his high school days. Despite the initial controversy, James successfully contested the ruling that temporarily made him ineligible to compete, and he went on to justify the hype with an illustrious NBA career.
The auction of the Hummer H2 serves as a nostalgic look back at the early days of a sports icon, a period marked by both controversy and promise. While the vehicle did not sell at the anticipated price, its historical significance remains, reflecting the enduring allure of owning a piece of LeBron James' history.
### The Gift and the Controversy
LeBron James' mother, Gloria, took out a $50,000 loan to purchase the Hummer H2 for her son's 18th birthday, a gesture that sparked significant controversy. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) investigated the gift, as it potentially violated rules capping gifts at $100. However, after documentation proved that Gloria had indeed taken out the loan herself, the eligibility concerns were resolved, and James was cleared to continue playing.
### Custom Features and Historical Significance
The 2003 Hummer H2 was no ordinary vehicle; it was customized with deluxe features including TVs, a gaming system, and a premium sound system. These additions, along with its association with one of the most promising young athletes of the time, were expected to drive its value far beyond its Kelley Blue Book estimate of approximately $18,000.
### The Auction
In November 2018, the Hummer was put up for auction by Goldin Auctions, with a minimum reserve price of $50,000. Despite predictions from Goldin Auctions president Ken Goldin that the vehicle would "definitely" sell for a six-figure sum, the auction did not meet its reserve price by the deadline.
The auction was part of a larger trend where collectors are willing to pay substantial amounts for items associated with star athletes. For example, Walter Payton's 1979 Porsche recently sold for $324,500, highlighting the significant value attached to such memorabilia.
### Previous Attempts at Sale
This was not the first time the Hummer had been up for sale. In 2013, it was listed on eBay with a "Buy It Now" price of $64,800, but it did not sell at that time. The vehicle had been on display at the Greater Cleveland Auto Auction since its purchase in 2013.
### Legacy and Impact
The Hummer's story is a vivid reminder of the intense scrutiny and hype surrounding LeBron James during his high school days. Despite the initial controversy, James successfully contested the ruling that temporarily made him ineligible to compete, and he went on to justify the hype with an illustrious NBA career.
The auction of the Hummer H2 serves as a nostalgic look back at the early days of a sports icon, a period marked by both controversy and promise. While the vehicle did not sell at the anticipated price, its historical significance remains, reflecting the enduring allure of owning a piece of LeBron James' history.