The jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to take center stage once again, this time at an auction in Hong Kong on September 28. This piece of memorabilia, which has seen its value soar over the years, is projected to fetch between $1 and $2 million, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
An Iconic Moment Revisited
Photographer Michael LeBrecht, who had the privilege of capturing LeBron in the now-famous shoot, reflects on the significance of this item. "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 reminisced. He expressed a surreal feeling, noting, "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
The photoshoot, which saw a young LeBron James praying and dunking, was indeed a pivotal moment. It highlighted his extraordinary talent and the bright future ahead. "This was the first time I shot LeBron. Just kind of a simple setup. I had him dunk the ball at least 40 times," LeBrecht recalled. He emphasized the spontaneous nature of the shoot, adding, "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 Jersey with a Rising Value
The value of the jersey has seen an impressive increase over the past few years. When it was first sold in 2019, it fetched $187,500. This price jumped to a staggering $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The continued rise in value is a testament to LeBron’s enduring legacy and the significant impact he has made on the sport.
LeBron James wore this jersey during a pivotal game in his junior season, where he delivered an outstanding performance by scoring 32 points. This game was instrumental in cementing his reputation as a standout player, a reputation that led him to declare for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year. LeBron’s journey from that high school standout to being selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers is the stuff of legends.
LeBron’s Ever-Growing Legacy
Now at 39 years old, LeBron is gearing up for his 22nd NBA season, a remarkable feat in itself. His career has been adorned with numerous accolades, the latest being a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics, adding yet another milestone to his storied career.
The significance of the jersey and the memories it holds are not lost on Michael LeBrecht. "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. The photographer's connection to the jersey is palpable, tinged with a sense of nostalgia and a hint of regret. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he admitted candidly.
As the auction date approaches, anticipation is building among collectors and fans alike. The jersey represents not just a piece of clothing, but a moment in time that marked the beginning of LeBron James’ extraordinary journey in basketball. It serves as a powerful reminder of the potential seen in LeBron at such a young age and the incredible career that followed.
With its significant historical and emotional value, the auction on September 28 is expected to be a momentous event. Whether it achieves its projected price or even exceeds it, there is no doubt that this jersey remains a symbol of one of basketball's most legendary figures. The story it tells is one of immense talent, hard work, and an unwavering drive to succeed—an epitome of LeBron James himself.