In a highly anticipated auction event scheduled for September 28 in Hong Kong, a piece of basketball history is set to find a new home. The jersey that LeBron James wore during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million. This jersey stands out not merely as memorabilia but as a symbol of LeBron's early promise and subsequent fulfillment of his extraordinary potential.
Previously, the jersey sold for $187,500 in 2019 and then saw a significant jump to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The exponential rise in its value underscores the enduring impact of LeBron's career and his lasting imprint on the game of basketball.
Behind the Lens
The historical significance of the jersey is amplified by the man who captured it on film, photographer Michael LeBrecht. "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 recalled. The photoshoot took place during a pivotal game in LeBron's junior season, where he delivered a stellar performance, scoring 32 points. This game and the subsequent photoshoot heralded LeBron's arrival on the national stage, setting the tone for an incredible career.
LeBrecht nostalgically reflected, "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal." In the photoshoot, LeBron was asked to dunk the ball at least 40 times, and LeBrecht worked to capture various expressions and poses from the budding star. "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 Defining Moment
The image captured then has become iconic, much like LeBron himself. LeBrecht poignantly stated, "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." The emotional connection and historical significance imbued in the jersey make it more than just a garment; it is a testament to LeBron's journey and the dreams he has chased and realized.
LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year, where he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fast forward to today, LeBron is now 39-years-old and entering his 22nd NBA season, having recently added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his extensive list of accolades.
The Legacy Continues
LeBron's career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary, mirroring the escalating value of the jersey. More than two decades since the photo that branded him "The Chosen One," LeBron continues to dominate the court, proving that the prophecy foretold in that photoshoot was not an overstatement but an omen of greatness.
For LeBrecht, the auction of the jersey comes with a mix of pride and a touch of regret. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he admitted. As the jersey changes hands once more, it brings with it the memories, dreams, and aspirations of a young LeBron who has grown into one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
As collectors and fans gear up for the auction in Hong Kong, the jersey stands as a symbol of a defining moment in sports history. Its value, both material and sentimental, continues to grow, much like the legacy of the man who once wore it.