LeBron James' storied basketball career is filled with memorable moments, but few artifacts from his journey are as poignant as the jersey he wore during his "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002. This September, that very jersey is set to hit the auction block in Hong Kong, promising to command an impressive figure.
The Jersey's Journey
The auction, scheduled for September 28, anticipates a selling price between $1 and $2 million for the jersey. Previous auctions have highlighted the jersey's ascending value—first sold for $187,500 in 2019, it saw a significant increase to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The continuously rising bids reflect not just the memorabilia's historical importance but also LeBron's enduring legacy in the sport.
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer behind the iconic Sports Illustrated shoot, shared his reflections on the jersey and the experience. "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 recounted. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal." His words capture the essence of the moment—LeBron's career was at a crossroads, and the young athlete was on the brink of becoming one of the most renowned figures in professional basketball.
A Pivotal Game and Memorable Shoot
The jersey holds profound significance not only because of the photoshoot but also due to the pivotal high school game in which LeBron wore it. During his junior season, LeBron scored an impressive 32 points, solidifying his status as a burgeoning talent in the basketball world. It was in this context that Sports Illustrated labeled him "The Chosen One," a moniker that would follow and define his career.
Recalling the photoshoot, LeBrecht noted, "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!'" These behind-the-scenes moments underscore the powerful imagery that captured LeBron's youthful enthusiasm and raw potential.
From Photoshoot to NBA Stardom
The following year, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft, where he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. His career trajectory since then has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now at the age of 39, LeBron is entering his 22nd NBA season, a testament to his longevity and unwavering dedication to the game.
In addition to his numerous NBA accolades, LeBron recently added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his storied career. His journey from a promising high school player to an international basketball icon is mirrored in the escalating value of his memorabilia, symbolized by the jersey's anticipated multi-million dollar auction.
LeBrecht’s reflection on the jersey is tinged with 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. His candidness adds a personal touch to the story, reminding us of the human element behind these legendary sports moments.
The jersey is more than just fabric; it is a symbol of LeBron James' journey, from a high school prodigy anointed as "The Chosen One" to an NBA legend. As collectors and fans eagerly await the impending auction, this piece of memorabilia stands as a tangible reminder of LeBron’s unparalleled impact on the game of basketball.