In what has become a highly anticipated event for sports memorabilia collectors, the jersey worn by a teenage LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to be auctioned in Hong Kong on September 28. The coveted piece of sports history is expected to fetch between $1 million and $2 million.
LeBron James, only in his junior year at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, was already making waves as the future of basketball. The 2002 photoshoot, captured by photographer Michael LeBrecht, immortalized a young LeBron with dreams of NBA stardom. Recalling the event, LeBrecht mused, "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary."
The Road to Auction
This is not the first instance of the jersey being auctioned. It previously sold for $187,500 in 2019, which seemed like a hefty sum at the time. However, its value skyrocketed to $512,200 at a 2021 auction, signaling the growing allure of LeBron James memorabilia as his career continued to flourish.
The jersey’s remarkable journey parallels LeBron's own meteoric rise in the basketball world. From that junior-year photoshoot where he scored 32 points in a pivotal game to declaring for the 2003 NBA Draft, LeBron's dream swiftly transformed into reality when he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron has not only lived up to the "Chosen One" prophecy but has also exceeded all expectations. His recent addition of a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his extensive list of accolades firmly cements his legacy.
A Pivotal Moment Captured
LeBrecht’s recollections of the photoshoot provide a vivid snapshot of that moment in history. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," he reflects. "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!'"
LeBrecht’s ability to capture the essence of LeBron’s personality and his raw ambition is part of what makes this jersey so significant. It isn't just a piece of fabric—it’s a relic from a defining chapter in the career of one of basketball’s greatest players.
The Emotional Resonance of Memorabilia
When LeBrecht revisited the jersey, the experience was both nostalgic and poignant. "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 noted. His words underscore the silent yet powerful presence the jersey holds.
There was one aspect of the photoshoot that LeBrecht regrets. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he candidly admitted. The remark reveals a tinge of regret but also highlights the unanticipated enormity of the moment he had captured. At the time, it was just another assignment, but in retrospect, it was a monumental piece of sports history.
Looking Forward
As the jersey heads to auction once more, it signifies more than just a potential financial windfall for its new owner. It stands as a tangible piece of LeBron James' origin story, a chapter that laid the foundation for his illustrious career. This jersey not only encapsulates LeBron's early promise but also the excitement, hopes, and dreams that surrounded his high school days. For collectors and fans alike, the chance to own such an artifact is a rare and treasured opportunity.
With the auction set for September 28, anticipation continues to build. As this jersey changes hands once more, it will undoubtedly remain a cherished symbol of LeBron James' incredible journey from a high school phenom to a global basketball icon.