The jersey that LeBron James wore during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to return to the limelight, as it heads to auction in Hong Kong this September. The auction, scheduled for September 28, anticipates a significant windfall, with the jersey expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
A Piece of History
This jersey carries substantial sentimental and historical value. It was during his junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School that LeBron wore this jersey in a crucial game, scoring 32 points—a performance that would further cement his status as a prodigy in the world of basketball. This pivotal moment was immortalized in a Sports Illustrated photoshoot, conducted by photographer Michael LeBrecht.
The Photographer's Reflections
LeBrecht recalls the shoot vividly. "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 reminisced. The session, designed with a simple setup, required James to dunk the ball numerous times. "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!'"
The Surge in Value
The jersey's journey through various auctions tells a story of its growing legendary status. Initially sold for $187,500 in 2019, it saw a significant increase in value, reaching $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The anticipation surrounding its upcoming sale reflects LeBron's enduring legacy and the continued reverence for his early career milestones.
A Turning Point
For LeBrecht, the shoot holds more than just professional significance. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," he stated. Capturing the early moments of LeBron's career, which would soon explode into NBA stardom, was a unique experience for the photographer. He added, "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."
The Legacy Continues
LeBron James declared for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year, where he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron continues to add to his legendary career. Most recently, he bolstered his list of accomplishments by securing a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Reflecting on the photoshoot, LeBrecht lamented not taking a personal memento from that day. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he remarked candidly. That jersey, now a piece of basketball history, is poised to set another record as it heads to the auction block once more, capturing the hearts of collectors and fans alike.
This auction isn't just a sale; it's a reminder of a moment when a young prodigy donned a jersey, symbolically reaching out towards the future—a future he has certainly lived up to and surpassed.