The jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to hit the auction block in Hong Kong on September 28. This significant piece of sports memorabilia is expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million, reflecting the reverence held for this moment in basketball history.
LeBron James, often hailed as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, famously donned this jersey during a pivotal game in his junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where he delivered an impressive 32-point performance. This jersey was immortalized when Michael LeBrecht captured James in a series of dynamic shots for the Sports Illustrated cover that declared him "The Chosen One." LeBrecht, a seasoned photographer, vividly recalls that day.
Revisiting the Iconic Photoshoot
"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 reminisces. The photoshoot was a significant turning point and marked the first time LeBrecht worked with the teenage phenomenon. "You look back and you don’t realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," he reflects.
LeBrecht shares how he created the memorable 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!'" These spontaneous moments contributed to the creation of an iconic image that captured the hopes and determination of a young athlete on the brink of greatness.
From High School Star to NBA Legend
The photoshoot and the jersey symbolize LeBron's phenomenal journey. Following this pivotal shoot, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft. His path to stardom was cemented when he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, beginning an illustrious career that now includes four NBA championships, multiple MVP awards, and numerous All-Star selections.
As LeBron embarks on his 22nd NBA season at the age of 39, this jersey serves as a tangible reminder of his early beginnings and meteoric rise. Adding to his extensive list of achievements, LeBron recently secured a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics, further solidifying his legacy as a global sports icon.
A Valuable Piece of Sports History
The jersey has seen a dramatic increase in value over the years, a testament to LeBron’s ever-growing legacy. It previously sold for $187,500 in 2019, and the last auction in 2021 saw it fetching an impressive $512,200. The upcoming auction, with bids anticipated to reach up to $2 million, underscores the jersey’s significance in sports history.
"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," LeBrecht reflects on the enduring power of the jersey. It’s clear that this piece of fabric is not just a jersey, but a symbol of LeBron’s indomitable spirit and the dreams he carried from a high school gym to global recognition.
LeBrecht laments, albeit with a touch of humor, "What’s f---ed up is I didn’t ask to take the jersey home after the shoot." In hindsight, the jersey represents a relic of a bygone era that captured the aspirations of a young man who would go on to conquer the basketball world.
As the auction date approaches, enthusiasts and collectors are gearing up for a chance to own this extraordinary piece of sports history. Whether it ends up in a private collection or a museum, the jersey continues to epitomize the early promise and relentless drive of one of basketball's greatest players.