The jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to make headlines once again, as it heads to the auction block in Hong Kong this September. This piece of sports memorabilia, deeply rooted in basketball history, is expected to fetch a whopping $1 to $2 million.
A Jersey with History
It's not just any jersey; this is the one LeBron donned during a pivotal game in his junior season, where he put up an impressive 32 points, solidifying his status as a future NBA superstar. The jersey first hit the auction scene in 2019, selling for $187,500. By the time it resurfaced in a 2021 auction, its value had skyrocketed to $512,200. This September, it's anticipated to break new records.
The Legendary Photoshoot
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer who captured LeBron's rise to fame in that now-iconic shoot, recounts a vivid memory: "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary." LeBrecht's images from that day have become emblematic of LeBron's early career and the promise that lay ahead.
"You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," said LeBrecht, reflecting on the significance of that moment. For LeBrecht, it was also a personal milestone: "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!'"
A Symbol of Basketball Greatness
Today, LeBron James is 39 years old, entering his 22nd NBA season, and has recently added another gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his extensive list of accolades. Reflecting on how far he's come since that fateful photoshoot and game, one can only marvel at the journey paved by skill, determination, and a touch of destiny.
LeBrecht admits to a lingering regret about the shoot: "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot." His words capture a shared sentiment among many who witnessed LeBron's early years—the realization of participating in a history-making moment without fully grasping its future significance.
On the Auction Block
The auction, scheduled for September 28 in Hong Kong, is highly anticipated by sports enthusiasts and collectors alike. The jersey represents not only LeBron's legacy but also an indelible part of sports history. LeBrecht, who hasn't seen the jersey since that day, describes his reaction to its reappearance: "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 we approach the auction date, the buzz around LeBron's jersey is palpable. With its rich history and the indomitable spirit of the man who wore it, the jersey is more than just fabric—it's a symbol of greatness, hard work, and the magic of sports that continues to inspire generations.