In an auction slated for September 28 in Hong Kong, a piece of basketball history is set to capture the attention of collectors and sports aficionados alike. The jersey worn by LeBron James during his seminal 2002 "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated is expected to fetch an eye-watering sum, estimated to be between $1 and $2 million.
The significance of this jersey extends beyond the iconic cover that helped catapult LeBron into the national spotlight. The green and gold St. Vincent-St. Mary High School jersey also holds sentimental value, having been worn by the young prodigy during a pivotal game in his junior season, where he scored 32 points. This was a defining moment not just for LeBron, but for the future of basketball itself. The following year, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, setting the stage for a Hall of Fame career filled with accolades, including a recent gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A Storied History of Value
This isn't the first time LeBron's famous jersey has found its way to the auction block. It initially sold for $187,500 in 2019 and saw a substantial increase in value, jumping to $512,200 in 2021. This year, given the jersey's storied history and the rising market for sports memorabilia, experts predict it could easily reach or even exceed the $2 million mark.
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer behind the iconic shoot, shared his reflections on the moment that has now become a pivotal point in sports history. "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. He added, "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
The Man Behind the Lens
LeBrecht's photoshoot with LeBron was his first with the future NBA 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!'" The memories of that day remain vivid for LeBrecht, highlighting the raw talent and charisma that LeBron exuded even at a young age.
LeBrecht also expressed a mix of nostalgia and missed opportunity. "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 added wryly, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
The Legacy Continues
Now at 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James continues to be a dominant force both on and off the court. His journey from a high school phenom to an NBA superstar has been nothing short of legendary. The upcoming auction not only celebrates a key artifact from his early career but also serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport of basketball.
As collectors eagerly anticipate the auction, this jersey stands as a symbol of talent realized, potential fulfilled, and history in the making. Whether it fetches $1 million, $2 million, or more, the true value of LeBron's "The Chosen One" jersey lies in its ability to captivate and inspire, reminding us all of the moment when the world first began to understand the greatness of LeBron James.