In what is shaping up to be a highly anticipated event for sports memorabilia collectors, the jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to be auctioned in Hong Kong on September 28. This jersey, which has witnessed a meteoric rise in value over the years, is expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
A Historical Artifact
The jersey holds a venerable place in LeBron's storied career. Beyond its appearance in a pivotal Sports Illustrated cover, which anointed a young and promising LeBron as "The Chosen One," the jersey was also donned by LeBron during a crucial game in his junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. In that game, he scored an impressive 32 points, further solidifying his reputation as a basketball prodigy destined for greatness.
Photographer Michael LeBrecht, who captured the iconic image, reflects on his experience with a sense of awe and nostalgia. "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 recalls. This sentiment underscores the rarity and sentimental value of the jersey, now imbued with nearly two decades of basketball history.
The Journey of the Jersey
The jersey's value has appreciated significantly over the years. It initially sold for $187,500 in 2019, before a subsequent auction in 2021 saw its price soar to $512,200. This dramatic increase in value reflects not just the physical fabric of the jersey but the narrative it embodies—the rise of LeBron James from a high school sensation to one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
LeBrecht offers an introspective view on how time has added layers of meaning to the jersey. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," he remarks. For many fans and collectors, the jersey is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a tangible piece of basketball history, capturing the genesis of LeBron's legendary career.
Behind the Lens
LeBrecht’s recollection of the photoshoot offers a fascinating glimpse into the moment that produced the now-famous image. "This was the first time I shot LeBron. Just kind of a simple setup. I had him dunk the ball at least 40 times," he says. "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 details add a rich context to the photograph that graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the process that helped immortalize LeBron's early promise.
The Legacy Continues
Fast forward to the present day—LeBron James, now 39 years old, is entering his 22nd NBA season, a feat that speaks volumes about his endurance and excellence in the sport. Adding to his already illustrious career, LeBron recently secured a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further cementing his status as a global sports icon.
LeBrecht’s wistful reflection captures the wistful gaiety of a moment in time. "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 says, highlighting the silent yet powerful presence of the jersey as a relic of basketball history.
In a candid admission, LeBrecht adds, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot." This simple oversight now carries a heavy weight, considering the jersey’s expected auction value.
As collectors and fans eagerly await the auction in Hong Kong, the jersey stands as a testament to LeBron James' early aspirations and subsequent achievements. It is a symbol of a young prodigy's journey to becoming a sports legend, and its upward trajectory in the auction market mirrors LeBron's own rise in the world of basketball.