The jersey that LeBron James wore during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to command significant attention as it hits the auction block this September in Hong Kong. The auction is scheduled for the 28th of the month, and the jersey, imbued with the early career triumphs of one of basketball's most storied athletes, is expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
Historic Value
This very jersey symbolizes a pivotal period in James' career, worn during a game in his junior year where he spectacularly dropped 32 points. Fast forward to 2003, James declared for the NBA Draft and was the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, at 39 years old, LeBron James embarks on his 22nd NBA season, having recently added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his extensive list of accolades.
Rising Worth
The jersey’s value has seen a dramatic increase over the years. It initially sold for $187,500 in 2019, then saw a substantial hike to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The piece’s projected value at the upcoming auction reflects not just LeBron’s remarkable career but the lasting cultural impact of the iconic photoshoot.
Behind the Lens
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer who captured the momentous shot, vividly recalls the first time he photographed 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. He describes the photoshoot as a turning point that was both simple and transformative. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," he added.
Unforgettable Moments
LeBrecht's vividly detailed recollection of the session sheds light on the energy and excitement surrounding the young prodigy. "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 moments encapsulate the raw ambition and talent that would propel LeBron into basketball excellence.
Iconic and Unique
Items tied to major athletes often become timeless relics, and in this case, the jersey serves as a testament to LeBron’s meteoric rise. LeBrecht further reflects on the unique encounter, investing emotion into an inanimate object that carries such profound 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," he shared wistfully.
A Relic of Ambition
One notable moment of regret from the session still lingers with LeBrecht. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he admitted, a sentiment that many can identify with when it comes to missed opportunities.
The jersey stands as a fabric of history, woven with both the sweat of determination and the dreams of a teenage phenom on the cusp of NBA greatness. As it heads to auction once again, the significant expected price underscores not only its intrinsic value but also the lasting impact of LeBron James on the world of sports.