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Ken Goldin at The National: 30 Years in the Hobby and a Lakers Vault Worth Watching

The Goldin Auctions founder is holding court on day three of the 2026 National, and the Lakers angle has collectors paying close attention.

Collector Nation ·
WHY THIS MATTERS

When Ken Goldin signals a major collection is coming to market, the hobby listens — and a Lakers vault is about as blue-chip as it gets. Lakers memorabilia anchors some of the most valuable lots in the hobby: Kobe Bryant game-used pieces, Magic Johnson championship-era items, and LeBron James milestone relics all command serious money at auction. If Goldin is teasing this publicly on the floor of The National, expect a formal auction announcement soon. For collectors, that means watching Goldin's upcoming sale calendar closely — and for anyone holding Lakers cards or memorabilia, fresh auction comps from a high-profile Goldin sale could move the broader market. The National itself is live through August 2, so any additional details Goldin drops this week will matter.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • The 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention is running July 29–August 2 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois — today is day three.
  • Ken Goldin has been active in the sports memorabilia industry for over 30 years and founded Goldin Auctions.
  • Goldin Auctions has facilitated more than $2 billion in memorabilia sales across sports, history, and pop culture.
  • Goldin is discussing a Lakers vault — a collection of Los Angeles Lakers memorabilia he is positioning for the market.
  • Goldin's Netflix series 'King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch' released its third season on December 23, 2025, keeping his profile high with mainstream audiences heading into this National.

Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, is a central presence at the 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont, Illinois — now in its third of five days. In a feature conversation tied to the show floor, Goldin reflects on three decades at the hobby's biggest annual event and discusses what he's calling a Lakers vault — a collection of Los Angeles Lakers memorabilia that Goldin is positioning for the market. Goldin Auctions has facilitated over $2 billion in memorabilia sales across sports, history, and pop culture.

Questions collectors are asking

What is the Lakers vault Ken Goldin is talking about?

Goldin referenced a collection of Los Angeles Lakers memorabilia at the 2026 National.

Why does a Goldin auction announcement matter for card collectors?

High-profile Goldin auction results set market comps. When a significant Lakers lot sells, it can shift perceived value for Lakers cards and memorabilia across the broader hobby — including graded cards and game-used relics.

Is Goldin Auctions doing anything else at the 2026 National?

Goldin is on the show floor through the end of the convention on August 2. Any additional announcements this week are worth tracking.

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