The Iconic Jersey Up for Auction: An Unspoken Milestone
The jersey that LeBron James wore during his legendary "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to make waves once again, as it hits the auction block in Hong Kong on September 28. This iconic piece of memorabilia, forever etched in the annals of basketball history, is expected to command a staggering price between $1 and $2 million.
The auction has generated considerable excitement, particularly given the jersey’s dramatic climb in value over the years. Back in 2019, it sold for $187,500. By 2021, it had soared to $512,200. Such exponential growth underscores not only the market's appreciation for rare sports memorabilia but also the lasting impact of LeBron James' storied career.
The man behind the lens of the iconic photoshoot, Michael LeBrecht, recalls the moment vividly. "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 muses. LeBrecht, who has captured numerous sporting icons throughout his career, still finds this particular assignment surreal. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," he reflects.
For LeBron, the jersey represents a pivotal point in his career, a symbol of his rise to superstardom. During the photoshoot, LeBron was still a high school junior, but his talent was undeniable. He had recently scored 32 points in a critical game, further solidifying his reputation as a future NBA star. By 2003, he made it official, declaring for the NBA Draft and being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBrecht recalls the photoshoot with striking clarity, noting how it captured LeBron's hopeful ambition and raw talent. "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!'"
The auction not only highlights the notable rise in the jersey's value but also serves as a testament to LeBron's enduring legacy. Now at 39 years old and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James continues to be a formidable presence on the court. Recently, he added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his extensive list of accolades, showcasing that his competitive spirit remains undiminished.
Revisiting the jersey stirs a unique sense of nostalgia for LeBrecht. "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 remarks, acknowledging the silent yet profound resonance of the jersey. Despite its silent presence, it speaks volumes about the moment in time it represents.
Interestingly, LeBrecht shares a humorous regret from that day. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he quips, a moment of levity that underscores the sentimental value it holds for those who were part of that pivotal experience.
As the auction date approaches, anticipation builds not just among collectors, but among fans who have followed LeBron's remarkable journey from a high school phenom to an NBA legend. The jersey stands as a tangible link to a moment that marked the beginning of an extraordinary career. For LeBron James, it was just the start, but for the world of basketball, it was the making of "The Chosen One."