In a remarkable convergence of sports history and memorabilia, the jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is poised to make headlines once again. Set to be auctioned in Hong Kong on September 28, this piece of basketball history is expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million, a substantial leap from its previous sales.
A Jersey’s Journey
Initially sold for $187,500 in 2019, the jersey's value skyrocketed to $512,200 just two years later. Now, as it re-emerges on the auction block, its historical and monetary value continues to grow. This is the jersey LeBron donned during an unforgettable game in his junior season, where he scored an impressive 32 points—a prelude to his future stardom in the NBA.
The Man Behind the Lens
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer who captured this pivotal moment, recalls the shoot with vivid clarity. "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary," he reminisces. It's a poignant reminder of how far both the jersey and LeBron have come since that fateful day.
LeBrecht’s words evoke the significance of the shoot: "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal." For LeBron fans and basketball aficionados alike, this jersey symbolizes the beginning of an era. It marks the moment when a young phenom from Akron, Ohio, stepped into the national spotlight.
Capturing Greatness
"This was the first time I shot LeBron," LeBrecht recalls. "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 behind-the-scenes moments paint a vivid picture of the young athlete on the cusp of greatness. LeBron would declare for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year, where he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The rest, as they say, is history.
LeBron’s Legacy
Now at 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James’s illustrious career has been punctuated by countless accolades, including a recent gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yet, for fans and collectors, the "The Chosen One" jersey remains a tangible link to his early days, a symbol of potential realized.
LeBrecht’s reflections on the jersey he photographed are tinged with irony and a touch of regret: "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. What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
An Auction to Remember
As the auction date approaches, anticipation builds. Collectors and basketball enthusiasts alike are eager to see how much this relic of sports history will command. Will it exceed expectations and set new records? Only time will tell, but what remains certain is that the jersey, much like the man who wore it, will continue to captivate audiences around the world.
In the annals of sports memorabilia, the "The Chosen One" jersey stands out not just for its material worth but for the story it tells—a story of a young man who dreamt big, worked hard, and changed the game of basketball forever.