In what is expected to be a monumental event for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, the jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to go under the hammer in Hong Kong this September. This highly anticipated auction is scheduled for September 28, and the jersey is forecasted to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
The jersey holds a significant place in the annals of sports history, not just for its association with the NBA superstar, but also for its journey through previous auctions. It initially sold for $187,500 in 2019, and saw a remarkable increase in value, fetching $512,200 in a 2021 auction. This meteoric rise in its valuation speaks volumes about LeBron's enduring legacy and the growing market for sports memorabilia.
A Jersey with a Story
Photographed by Michael LeBrecht, this jersey has a rich backstory. Recalling the momentous shoot, LeBrecht shared, "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary." This wasn’t just any photoshoot; it marked a pivotal moment in LeBron's life. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," LeBrecht added, highlighting the significance of that day.
LeBron, who was then in his junior year, wore the now-iconic jersey during a crucial game, scoring 32 points. This performance and the ensuing spotlight set the stage for what was to come. The following year, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft, ultimately being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fast forward to today, and he's on the cusp of entering his 22nd NBA season at the age of 39, with a career replete with accolades, including a recently added gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Photoshoot That Defined an Era
LeBrecht's recollection of the photoshoot offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes moments that foreshadowed LeBron's future success. "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 anecdotes not only humanize the young LeBron but also capture the palpable excitement and potential that surrounded him at the time.
For LeBrecht, revisiting this piece of sports history is a unique experience. "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 reflected. Indeed, the jersey is more than just fabric; it's a symbol of LeBron's ascendancy and the indelible impact he has had on the sport.
As the auction date draws near, anticipation is building among collectors and fans alike. This jersey, emblematic of a young phenom's dream transforming into reality, may soon find a new home, commanding a price that befits its storied past. LeBrecht's final sentiment perhaps best encapsulates the aura surrounding this piece of memorabilia: "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot." It's a wry reminder of how, sometimes, the most iconic items are appreciated most in hindsight.