The iconic jersey worn by LeBron James during his legendary "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to hit the auction block, making sports memorabilia history once again. This highly anticipated event is scheduled for September 28 in Hong Kong, drawing the attention of collectors and fans worldwide.
A Piece of Basketball History
The jersey, which has become a symbol of LeBron's meteoric rise in the basketball world, is expected to fetch between $1 million and $2 million. This staggering valuation speaks volumes about LeBron’s enduring legacy and the cultural significance of the photoshoot. Michael LeBrecht, the photographer who captured the moment, recalls, "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary."
The Turning Point
The significance of this jersey goes beyond its fabric. LeBron wore it during a pivotal game in his junior season where he scored an impressive 32 points—a performance that further solidified his status as a rising star. Reflecting on the moment, LeBrecht said, "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon
The journey that led LeBron to the NBA's pinnacle began with simple, yet powerful beginnings. LeBrecht captured images that would become iconic. "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!'" recalled LeBrecht. These moments encapsulated the raw dreams and undeniable talent of a young LeBron.
Rising Value
The jersey's history of soaring auction values indicates its powerful allure. It previously sold for $187,500 in 2019 and saw a dramatic increase to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The latest auction is expected to set new records, underlining the ever-growing admiration for LeBron and his journey from a high school phenom to an NBA legend.
LeBron's Unstoppable Journey
The significance of this jersey is compounded by LeBron's storied career. Declaring for the 2003 NBA Draft shortly after the photoshoot, LeBron was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron's list of achievements is staggering. Most recently, he added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his accolades—a testament to his enduring greatness.
LeBrecht’s Reflections
For Michael LeBrecht, the jersey is more than just a piece of memorabilia; it’s a symbol of a momentous occasion in sports history that he had the privilege to capture. "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," LeBrecht mused. Despite his deep connection to the artifact, he humorously lamented, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
As the auction approaches, excitement among collectors and fans alike continues to build. This event serves as a reminder of LeBron James' incredible journey and the timeless impact of moments that transcend sports, capturing the imagination and admiration of millions around the world.