In a remarkable convergence of sports and memorabilia, the jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is poised to hit the auction block next month. This piece of sporting history will be up for grabs in Hong Kong on September 28, with expectations that it could fetch between $1 million and $2 million.
An Artifact of a Star's Rise
This jersey isn’t just a piece of fabric; it’s a significant artifact from a pivotal time in LeBron James' burgeoning career. Michael LeBrecht, the photographer behind the historic shoot, remembers the moment he last laid eyes on the jersey. "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 recalls. The jersey, now a symbol of LeBron's ascension in the basketball world, was worn during a crucial game in his junior season where he scored a staggering 32 points.
LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The rest, as they say, is history. LeBron now stands at the grand age of 39, entering his 22nd NBA season, having recently added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his impressive list of accolades.
A Journey in Auctions
The financial journey of the jersey has been nothing short of impressive. It previously sold for $187,500 in 2019, before seeing a significant jump to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. These numbers not only reflect the growing market for sports memorabilia but also underscore LeBron's enduring legacy and the value attached to moments from his early career.
"You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," LeBrecht notes, encapsulating the sense of wonder that surrounds LeBron's legacy and the memorabilia tied to his early days. "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 Photographer's Reflections
For LeBrecht, this jersey doesn't just signify a photoshoot; it represents a moment when a young star made a powerful statement to the world. "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," he reflects. LeBrecht’s connection to that time and place is palpable, yet tinged with a small regret. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
As we approach the auction date, the buzz around this jersey highlights not only its monetary value but also the narrative of LeBron's incandescent rise to stardom. From a high school phenomenon praying to make it to the NBA, to an all-time great entering his 22nd season and adding an Olympic gold to his trophy cabinet, LeBron's journey is storied and inspirational. This jersey, worn during a pivotal chapter of that journey, carries with it memories, aspirations, and a tangible connection to the early promise of a player who would become one of the greatest to ever play the game.