The jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is poised to attract considerable attention when it goes up for auction in Hong Kong this September. Mark your calendars for September 28, as sports memorabilia collectors eagerly await the bidding war for what is undeniably a piece of basketball history.
Expectations are sky-high, with the jersey projected to fetch between $1 and $2 million. This isn't the first time this piece of LeBron lore has come to auction. In 2019, the jersey sold for $187,500. It resurfaced in 2021, where it saw its value more than double, commanding an impressive $512,200. Now, it appears poised to shatter previous records, reflecting LeBron James' ever-growing legend.
A Pivotal Moment
Michael LeBrecht, the man behind the lens of that famous 2002 shoot, vividly recalls the sessions and the rapport he built with a young LeBron. "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 reminisced. The shoot took place during what would be a pivotal game in LeBron's junior season, one that saw him drop 32 points and further solidify his status as a basketball prodigy.
Reflecting on the experience, LeBrecht noted, "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal." The simplicity of the setup belies the historical importance of those images. "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!'"
From Teen Phenom to Basketball Legend
What began as a high school phenom's bold proclamation on the cover of Sports Illustrated soon transformed into reality. By the following year, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft. He was the No. 1 overall pick, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers, setting the stage for an illustrious career punctuated by championships, MVP awards, and numerous accolades.
Now at 39 years old, LeBron prepares to embark on his 22nd NBA season, a testament to his longevity and elite performance. Adding a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his extensive list of accomplishments, LeBron's narrative is one of enduring greatness and continual reinvention.
An Iconic Keepsake
The jersey serves as a tangible reminder of the dawn of LeBron’s storied career. For LeBrecht, seeing it once more was a poignant moment. "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 iconic status of the jersey was seemingly cemented the moment LeBron put it on, and its journey through multiple auctions speaks to its significance in the realm of sports memorabilia.
Adding a touch of what could have been, LeBrecht shared a lighthearted regret: "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot." That candid admission highlights the reverence and emotional attachment that even those who document history feel toward the artifacts that capture monumental moments.
As the auction date looms, anticipation builds. Collectors and fans alike will watch closely, knowing that this jersey is not just a piece of fabric but a symbol of the meteoric rise of one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Whether it hits the low or high end of the estimated value, one thing remains clear: the legacy of "The Chosen One" continues to grow, much like the young man who first donned that jersey all those years ago.