Late last year, Brian Windhorst decided to visit Belgrade to attend the "Eternal Belgrade Derby", the clash between city rivals Partizan and Crvena Zvezda, a matchup where the notorious fan bases create unforgettable scenes that regularly go viral around the world.
ESPN's sportswriter also decided to visit a few old friends he had made during his storied journalism career, including Aleksandar Pavlovic, a legend of Serbian basketball and Partizan, best known for his stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers , where he reached the NBA Finals in 2007.
During his visit to Belgrade, Windhorst was shocked to discover that Pavlovic is still driving the same car he bought from none other than LeBron James .
"Twenty years ago, Sasha bought one of LeBron's cars. It's a BMW 7 Series — it's well known in Belgrade," Windhorst explained on "The Hoop Collective" podcast. "He said when he shipped the car over there, people found out it was coming and went to meet it at the port, or I don't know how it got there."
"But the crazy thing is, he's still driving it. He drove it to the restaurant, and in something you may only see in Serbia and I say this with love, guys, he still has Ohio plates on it," he added.
The BMW 7 Series Pavlovic bought from James during their Cavaliers days in the 2000s is most likely a 760Li. The fact that he still drives it today, nearly 19 years later, shouldn't surprise anyone.
Beyond the obvious appeal of classic cars — though this BMW isn't quite an old-timer yet, it's certainly on its way — it's also a piece of memorabilia once driven by none other than King James.
Over time, the car could reach significant value precisely because it once belonged to the NBA legend. And if he chooses to keep it, Pavlovic will always have a personal memento tied to (arguably) the greatest player in basketball history.
In the meantime, the car itself has become a "Belgrade celebrity", as Pavlovic remains recognizable wherever he appears with it.
When it comes to the BMW 760Li's market value, well-kept examples with moderate mileage in places like Germany and across the EU typically sell for roughly $9,000 to $33,000. Higher-mileage cars or those needing service can dip below $11,000.
It's a remarkable tale from across the ocean, underscoring the true scale of a four-time NBA champion's greatness — something often reduced to trophies, MVPs and record books. Yet Pavlovic shows that the presence of a 23-year NBA veteran outlives the game itself, and that legacy continues to grow.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
