LeBron James has built a career defined by milestones that once felt untouchable. From becoming the first player to reach 50,000 career points to winning Finals MVP honors with three different franchises, his legacy rests on historic longevity. Now in his 23rd NBA season, a feat unmatched in league history, the NBA is ready to honor that journey, beginning with a tribute in Sacramento.

The league has prepared a medal of honor of sorts exclusively for LeBron James to sport. It’s a gesture that exudes pride for one of the greatest athletes of all time.

What is the LeBron James 23 season jersey patch?

To commemorate LeBron James’ iconic Year 23, the NBA will install a special patch on his jerseys. The patch is made specifically for James, as is clear by the silhouette of his regimented chalk toss before each game.

Right above the patch, it says ’23 Seasons’, highlighting James’ unprecedented feat. This is the first time the NBA has created a special badge for a player. The four-time MVP will sport it for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.

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How the patch honors LeBron James’ career and legacy

The NBA’s specially curated patch features some obvious Easter eggs to spot. It’s made up of four colors: blue, red, maroon, and yellow. Those four colors denote his major moves across the league.

It started with the Cavaliers, moving on to the Miami Heat, back to Cleveland, and then finally the Lakers. Of course, the number 23 holds immense significance in the basketball realm.

The purpose behind the patch is to celebrate history and a man who defied limitations. James is already the all-time leader for points. In Year 23, he has climbed up to second all-time in assists, and will almost certainly finish the year as the player with the most games played, surpassing Robert Parish.

Why Sacramento was chosen for the patch debut?

LeBron James spent the first few weeks of the season recovering from sciatica. So why didn’t the NBA introduce the patch when he made his debut? That’s because Sacramento was where it all truly started. On October 29, 2003, an 18-year-old LeBron James took the floor against the Kings. 1581 games later, the stars have aligned once again, but this time it could be for a legend’s farewell.

While LeBron James hasn’t clarified his retirement decision, it’s much closer. Fans can actually sense it now. Many feel the introduction of the patch could be an indication that this is indeed the final chapter in James’ illustrious career. Now imagine you could own a piece of the last ride?

Limited Availability: How fans can see or own the patch

With the news officially out, fans in every stadium would wish they could somehow ask LeBron James for a game-worn jersey with the exclusive patch. However, those requests won’t be accepted. Rather, they can’t be. The NBA announced that after every game, the patches from James’ jersey will be removed.

They will be preserved for TOPPS, who will give fans a chance at owning a piece of NBA history. Some of the patches will be placed in ultra-rare trading cards released by TOPPS. Just know that a LeBron James rookie card fetched more than $5 million. More than a collectible, anybody who possesses such a card could actually be holding millions in their hands.

That’s how a King deserves to be celebrated, sharing the joy with others as he continues to carve his legacy. LeBron James could have hung it up. But that’s not how love works. His obsession and appreciation for doing what he does every day have manifested in this moment.

It might never happen again.