LeBron James has spent two decades turning NBA nights into landmarks, but in Sacramento on Monday, the league found a new way to literalize the idea. James wore a special-edition “23rd season” jersey patch in the Lakers’ game against the Kings, and it won’t be a one-off.
He’s expected to keep wearing the commemorative patch for the rest of the 2025–26 regular season, with a twist that feels equal parts tribute and modern sports economy: Topps will remove the patch from his jersey after each game, and some of those game-worn patches will end up embedded in ultra-rare trading cards.
The location was the point. Sacramento is where James’ NBA career began in 2003, when the teenage No. 1 pick made his long-awaited debut on the road against the Kings.
The patch itself is designed like a condensed biography. NBA.com’s announcement describes a badge featuring a silhouette of James’ iconic pregame chalk toss and stripes representing the three franchises he has played for, Cleveland, Miami, and the Lakers. It’s not subtle, and it’s not meant to be.
BREAKING: LeBron James will wear a special-edition 23rd season jersey patch beginning tonight in Sacramento; the city where he began his legendary career in 2003.
The patches will be removed from his jersey after each game, and some will be placed into ultra-rare trading cards. pic.twitter.com/zzOEJyiFUK
— Topps (@Topps) January 12, 2026
LeBron will wear a “Year 23” patch on his jersey for the rest of the season 🔥🐐
His longevity is INSANE pic.twitter.com/KVlrgTgdhi
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) January 12, 2026
