Filed under: Beckett Media, Hobby Stories, NBA | Tags: Boston Celtics, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Finals, NBA trading cards, Pau Gasol, Rajon Rondo
One of the greatest rivalries in sports resumes tonight when the Lakers battle Boston in Game 1 of the 2010 NBA Finals.
A fifth ring for Lakers legend Kobe Bryant will most certainly send his already-ascending top cards to even higher heights. A second one for Celtics scorching superstar Rajon Rondo will do the same for his best issues.
(Of course, a fifth ring for Kobe also will bring him within one of matching Michael Jordan, the hobby king himself, in that category. Oh, and it would give him exactly five more rings than LeBron James has.)
I took some time this afternoon to pick the brain of Beckett’s Senior NBA Market Analyst Keith Hower (OK, it was a short conversation) about trends to watch as the Finals begin.
Here are some of his highlights . . .
The overall value of Bryant’s 6,116 trading cards has risen more than 2 percent since May 1, from $357,463 to $365,045. That may seem like a small percentage in the grand scheme of things, but is actually quite impressive when you consider how expensive the collection is to begin with, and how much it takes for Bryant’s cards to move at all.
Kobe’s landmark 1996-97 Topps Chrome RC, at $275, hasn’t been raised since last July (up from $250) but is currently selling well in its current $175-$275 price range and would most certainly receive a bump in value with a fifth championship.
It’s interesting to note that certified autograph cards picturing Pau Gasol as a member of the Lakers also are riding a current hot streak. Gasol’s autographs typically sell in the $15-$20 range; right now they’re selling closer to $50.
As for Rondo, he’s turned the postseason into his personal playground – averaging 16.7 points, 10 assists and 5.3 rebound per game – and most of his best Rookie Cards have increased 20 percent in value in the last month as a result. Much of the most recent activity has centered on Rondo’s 2006-07 E-X RC #67, which has vaulted from $50 to $60 in the last two weeks.
In addition, certified autographs featuring Boston’s long-toothed triumvirate of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett also have been selling strong since the playoffs began. They’ve been pushing the high end of their respective ranges and could receive a boost in value with a second championship in three years.
Tracy Hackler is the editorial director for Beckett Media. Have a comment or question? Send an e-mail to him at thackler@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
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The Beckett Blog 
why are there so many stars in basketball and so few in hockey?
Comment by Rookie June 6, 2010 @ 10:42 amWow, some great looking cards here!! Celtics are going to win tonight woo hoo!! BEAT LA!
Comment by Rick June 6, 2010 @ 6:37 pm