In a twist that merges sports history with auction intrigue, LeBron James' iconic jersey from his 2002 Sports Illustrated "The Chosen One" photoshoot is set to go under the hammer in Hong Kong. This momentous event is slated for September 28, with estimates suggesting the jersey could fetch between $1 million and $2 million. This isn't the first time this piece of memorabilia has been auctioned off, having previously sold for $187,500 in 2019 and then seeing a meteoric rise to $512,200 in a 2021 auction.
The Significance of the Jersey
The jersey isn't just a simple garment; it represents a pivotal moment in LeBron's storied career. During his junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, LeBron donned this jersey and racked up an impressive 32 points in a crucial game. This performance, coupled with the now-legendary photoshoot, solidified his burgeoning reputation as a future NBA superstar. Michael LeBrecht, the photographer behind the shoot, vividly recalls the experience, noting, "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary."
A Turning Point Captured
The photoshoot itself became an iconic moment in sports photography. LeBrecht reminisced about the day, saying, "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal." For LeBrecht, working with a young LeBron was a unique experience. "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 Piece of History
Reflecting on the photoshoot, LeBrecht expressed a blend of nostalgia and awe for the jersey. "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." Despite its silent nature, the jersey holds a powerful presence, encapsulating a seminal moment in the career of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Interestingly, LeBrecht also shared a poignant regret. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot." Little did he know that this simple piece of basketball apparel would become a symbol of immense cultural and financial value.
LeBron's Continuing Legacy
LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year, where he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, at 39, LeBron is entering his 22nd NBA season and continues to add to his impressive list of accolades. Most recently, he snagged a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats in basketball.
As the auction date approaches, all eyes will be on Hong Kong to see just how high the bids will go for a piece of LeBron lore. Given its storied past and the increasing value of sports memorabilia, there's much anticipation surrounding the final auction price. Whether you're a die-hard LeBron fan or a collector looking to own a slice of sports history, this jersey represents more than just fabric and thread—it's a tangible connection to a legend in the making.