Panini is one of the world’s most successful trading card manufacturing companies, founded and headquartered in Moderna, Italy.
After primarily producing sports cards for FIFA and other professional soccer leagues. Panini expanded its business to the American sports market. They acquired an exclusive license with the NBA in 2009 to produce trading cards and other memorabilia. A partnership that officially commenced during the 2009-2010 NBA season.
Panini Prizm is currently one of the most successful sports card series offered by the company. They produce specialty and base cards in a shiny and sleek color array. Below are the 7 best Panini Prizm basketball cards available in the market today.
7. 2020 Lamelo Ball Rookie Card (Gold Wave), Card #63
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $3,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $500
One of the top rookies in the 2020 NBA draft class. Lamelo Ball is quickly establishing himself as one of the best young point guards in the NBA.
Although there are several different Lamelo Ball rookie cards, the Gold Wave version is the most valuable at this point.
Ball rookie cards pose a high-risk high-reward potential for collectors, as he has only played 2 seasons in the NBA. If he continues to flourish and develop into a star, all his Panini Prizm rookie cards will carry a hefty price tag.
6. 2012 Kawhi Leonard Rookie Card (Silver), Card #209
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $8,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $1,250
The first of 5 silver prizm cards in this list. The Kawhi Leonard Silver rookie card is one of the most valuable pieces of sports memorabilia featuring a Spurs player. Kawhi Leonard is one of the most underappreciated superstars in the NBA.
He is one of the only 3 players in NBA history to win Finals MVP with multiple franchises. Joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lebron James.
Unfortunately, injuries have plagued him throughout his career, which has hampered his legacy. However, Leonard will most likely end up in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame at the end of his career, enhancing the value of his sports cards.
5. 2012 Kobe Bryant Panini Prizm Basketball (Silver), Card #24
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $10,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $1,500
While not even the most valuable card featuring Bryant on this list. The 2012 Kobe Bryant Silver card is still a great addition to any collection and one of the most valuable Panini Prizm cards available.
Because of his tragic passing in a helicopter crash in January 2020, any of his memorabilia has a heightened value to collectors of all ages and focuses.
This card features Bryant in the twilight of his career, 2 years after his 5th championship. Bryant himself was still a tremendous player, averaging 27.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 4.6 APG during the 2011-2012 season.
4. 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie (Silver), Prizm Card #290
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $18,750
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $3,000
The 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie Silver rookie card is an expensive basketball card and sold for an impressive $30,700 during one auction in April of 2021.
Antetokounmpo won over the hearts of sports fans during the Bucks’ incredible championship run during the 2020-2021 season. Putting together one of the most impressive statistical playoff runs in NBA history. He along with Luka Doncic are probably the two biggest stars in the NBA, other than Lebron James.
As a result, any sports cards bearing his likeness will continue to command large amounts of money and prestige.
3. 2018 Luka Doncic Rookie Card (Silver), Card #280
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $25,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $4,000
Among all prizm cards today, Luka Doncic is probably the most sought-after athlete due to his immense talents and larger-than-life on-court personality.
Even though he doesn’t possess game-changing quickness, Doncic’s incredible body control, driving ability, high basketball IQ, and deadly step-back jumper make him one of the best offensive players in the NBA.
The Luka Doncic Silver rookie card is very valuable with an incredibly high ceiling. Selling for an astounding $40,100 in a 2021 auction. Although this price is probably an outlier, for now anyway, it could become a bargain if Doncic continues to dominate the NBA for years to come.
2. 2012 Lebron James (Silver), Card #1
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $40,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $7,500+
It simply wouldn’t be a top sports card list without Lebron James, one of the best players of all time.
Although not a rookie card like many of the cards on this list, the Lebron James Silver card is still one of the most expensive sports card options that collectors can get from the Panini Prizm series.
This card features James coming off the 2011-2012 season, which saw him win his first of 4 NBA championships. The veteran Miami Heat team comprised of the superstar trio of James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in 5 games.
It was the culmination of a grueling playoff run, that saw the Heat have 2 difficult Eastern Conference playoff matchups against the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics.
Because he is arguably the GOAT, Lebron James sports cards will always have great value, and this Panini Prizm Silver version will only go up in price.
1. 2012 Kobe Bryant Panini Prizm Autographs, Basketball Card #1
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $40,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $7,500+
The 2012 Kobe Bryant Autographs card is probably one of the most valuable sports card offered by the Panini Prizm series. Memorabilia from his career will soon become very limited due to his recent death.
Finding a PSA 10 Gem Mint version of this card is not an easy task and will cost collectors a lot of money. Individuals who are willing to settle for a PSA 8 or 9 can expect to find this card on eBay and other collectible sites.
Those who will settle for nothing less than a PSA 10 will probably have to purchase the card through an auction format such as Goldin Auctions.
Either way, this card is one of the best Panini Prizm basketball cards and a must-buy for both Kobe Bryant fans and sports fans in general.
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