In a remarkable turn of events for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, the iconic jersey worn by LeBron James during his famed "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to grace the auction block in Hong Kong on September 28. This piece is poised to become one of the priciest jerseys in auction history, with experts estimating it could fetch between $1 and $2 million.
A Jersey with a Rich History
The journey of this jersey through various auctions is a testament to LeBron's ever-ascending legacy. It was first auctioned for a modest $187,500 in 2019, only to see a significant jump to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. Now, as anticipation builds for the upcoming auction, its value serves as a poignant reminder of LeBron's impact on the game and his indelible footprint on basketball history.
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer who captured the iconic 2002 image, shared a nostalgic reflection. "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary," he recalled. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
A Glimpse into LeBron's Formative Years
The importance of this jersey goes beyond its monetary value. LeBron wore it during a pivotal game in his junior season, where he impressively scored 32 points. This period marked the beginning of his meteoric rise that would soon captivate the basketball world.
LeBron's subsequent declaration for the 2003 NBA Draft and his selection as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers were defining moments in his career. Now, at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron continues to rewrite the history books, recently adding a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his long list of accolades.
Behind the Lens
Michael LeBrecht's recollections add a layer of depth to the story of this jersey. He recounted the atmosphere and energy during that iconic photoshoot in 2002. "This was the first time I shot LeBron. Just kind of a simple setup. I had him dunk the ball at least 40 times. Got him praying to make the NBA, and then I just felt like, 'OK, let's get a little bit more animated.' He's posing, I'm like 'just reach out like this,' and then I'm like, 'give me a woo!' And he's like, 'woo!'"
Looking back on that day, LeBrecht reflects on the missed opportunity to keep a piece of history. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he lamented. Indeed, such a sentiment is understandable given the jersey's current stature within the memorabilia world.
From St. Vincent-St. Mary to Global Stardom
The journey of this jersey symbolizes LeBron's transformation from a high school prodigy in Akron, Ohio, to a global basketball icon. LeBrecht poignantly notes the silent testament of the jersey itself. "You come back to something you photographed, usually you say 'what's up, how you doing? It's been a minute.' This doesn't talk back. But it's so iconic."
As the auction date approaches, the excitement among collectors and basketball fans alike is palpable. The jersey not only represents an important piece of LeBron James' history but also captures a transformative moment in sports history.
Whether it lands within the predicted price range or soars beyond expectations, this jersey is more than fabric and thread—it’s a storied relic of a legend still in the making.