This image grab taken from the official website of Goldin Auctions shows the trading card of LeBron James that was sold for US$1.84 million.

A rare trading card of NBA great LeBron James’ 2003-04 rookie campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers fetched US$1.84 million at auction over the weekend, the league has said.

Bidding for the Upper Deck card, signed by the 35-year-old who now plays for Los Angeles Lakers, began at US$150,000 before it became the most expensive basketball card purchased in the modern era - those produced in 1980 or later.

Bidding for the Upper Deck card, signed by LeBron James, began at US$150,000 before it became the most expensive basketball card purchased in the modern era - those produced in 1980 or later

"Only 23 versions of the Patch Autograph Parallel collection for James were ever produced. The rare card received a 9.5 mint gem grading from Beckett grading service," the NBA said.

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“Numbered 14 of 23, the card attracted 34 bids over the course of the 26-day auction.”

Darren Rovell of sports media company Action Network said the winning bidder was Leore Avidar, the CEO and co-founder of a San Francisco-based company.

James is a three-times NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016) and twice Olympic gold medallist (2008, 2012). He has won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award four times.

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In May, Michael Jordan’s autographed game-worn sneakers from his rookie season fetched $560,000 in an online auction.