Magic Johnson
Point Guard · Los Angeles Lakers (Unlicensed/Generic Uniform)
Wild Card Matte Basketball #Not visible (Serialized 112/150)
Year & Era
2021-Present — Modern Era
Card Type
Numbered Parallel (Gold Chase)
Grade
7-8 (Near Mint) estimated
Rarity
Limited to 150 copies; however, Wild Card produces many similar parallels, often diluting perceived rarity.
Overall Assessment
A nice collectible for a Magic Johnson fan or a set builder, but lacks the investment ceiling of official NBA-licensed memorabilia.
Condition Grade
7-8 (Near Mint) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: Approximately 60/40 Top-Bottom and Left-Right; noticeably favoring the top and left margins.
Surface Condition
Appears clean with standard matte finish; some potential minor dimpling or light scratches inherent to thick non-glossy stock.
Corner Condition
Upper left and lower right corners show slight white chipping/softening visible against the pattern background.
Edge Condition
Upper edge shows minor rough cutting; side edges appear standard for a modern matte product.
Print Quality
High-quality matte texture with crisp gold foil stamping and clear serial numbering.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD (Raw/Ungraded)
Comparison to Known Examples
Standard for the run; centering on Wild Card Matte products is frequently inconsistent compared to Panini/Topps.
Authentication Tips
Verify the textured 'Touch' feel of the card stock and the specific gold foil debossing on the player name and serial numbering.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading; the cost of grading typically exceeds the market value of unlicensed modern cards.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the card is modern and unlikely to be counterfeited due to low market value.
Provenance Notes
Distributed via Wild Card retail or hobby boxes; these are unlicensed products featuring legendary athletes in airbrushed uniforms.
Historical Context
Magic Johnson is a Hall of Fame Laker; this card uses a classic image but removes NBA logos to avoid licensing fees.
Market Trends
Stable to low; unlicensed basketball cards generally lag behind licensed Panini (Prizm/Optic) products in value retention.
Investment Potential
Low; unlicensed cards rarely see significant long-term appreciation compared to licensed rookie cards or autographs.
Similar Cards
Wild Card Alumination, Leaf Metal Basketball, Panini Prizm Magic Johnson inserts.
Display & Preservation
Store in a penny sleeve and top loader; non-UV sensitive ink is stable, but matte stock can absorb oils from fingerprints.
Interesting Facts
The 'Matte' series is designed to have a tactile, non-glare surface, a reaction to the 'Chrome' craze of the modern era.