In the annals of sports memorabilia, few items carry the emotional and historical weight destined for the auction block this September in Hong Kong. The jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to attract feverish bidding, with estimates pegged between $1 and $2 million.
The Journey of an Iconic Jersey
The jersey's historical significance is palpable. Beyond being the attire for a photograph that heralded LeBron's upcoming dominance in the NBA, it holds the sweat and triumphs of a pivotal game in his junior season. LeBron, donning this very jersey, poured in 32 points, a performance that echoed his burgeoning basketball supremacy.
After initially selling for $187,500 in 2019, the jersey's value saw a remarkable surge to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The auction this September 28 in Hong Kong is expected to witness further inflation in its worth, underscoring LeBron's undying influence and iconic status in the world of sport.
The Man Behind the Lens
The man who immortalized this moment, photographer Michael LeBrecht, vividly recalls the shoot. "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 session was simple yet profound. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," he added.
LeBrecht's memories of working with a young LeBron provide a deeper context to the photoshoot's casual intensity. "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!'"
A Silent Witness to Greatness
Time has not dulled the sheen of the jersey as a symbol of LeBron's ascent. "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," noted LeBrecht. The jersey, much like the man who wore it, represents a tangible fragment of basketball history, silent yet storied.
LeBrecht also expressed a hint of regret stemming from that significant day. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he remarked, reflecting on the missed opportunity to own a piece of history that has since become priceless.
LeBron's Unmatched Legacy
From that seminal photoshoot, LeBron James' trajectory has been nothing short of legendary. Declaring for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year, LeBron was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fast forward to today, at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron continues to defy Father Time. His recent addition of a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics only adds to his long list of accolades.
The anticipated auction is more than just a sale; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of LeBron James. The jersey symbolizes not just a young prodigy's dreams, but the realization of those dreams in a manner that has cemented his place in sports history. As fans and collectors eagerly await the auction, the jersey stands as a relic of a moment that encapsulated the dawn of a legend.