In a moment set to capture the sentiments of sports history enthusiasts and collectors alike, the jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is poised to hit the auction block. Scheduled for September 28 in Hong Kong, this piece of memorabilia is anticipated to fetch between $1 and $2 million. This is a significant increase from its previous auctions, where it sold for $187,500 in 2019 and saw a notable jump to $512,200 in 2021.
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer responsible for the unforgettable shoot, recalls the experience with a tinge of 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 shared. For LeBrecht, the session wasn't just another assignment; it was a pivotal encounter with a young talent on the brink of superstardom. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," he reflected.
The jersey holds more than just commercial value; it encapsulates a defining moment in LeBron's early career. LeBron donned the jersey during a crucial game in his junior season, a game where he impressively scored 32 points. This performance was a prelude to his declaration for the 2003 NBA Draft, a decision that catapulted him into the limelight when he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, with a recent gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his accolades, LeBron's journey from a promising high school player to a basketball legend is a narrative for the ages.
LeBrecht vividly remembers the creative process behind the shoot, illustrating it as a blend of simplicity and spontaneity. "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!'" This playful interaction not only captured LeBron’s raw enthusiasm but also etched an indelible image of a future icon in the minds of fans and collectors.
For collectors and fans of LeBron James, the upcoming auction represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of sports history. The jersey’s journey through various auctions reflects its growing value, not just in monetary terms but as a symbol of LeBron's illustrious career. "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 noted, underscoring the profound connection and the silent story the jersey carries.
Humorously, LeBrecht admits to a minor regret. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he remarked, a sentiment likely shared by many who missed out on such a legendary piece of memorabilia.
The auction house expects fervent bidding as the date approaches, with collectors eyeing the jersey not merely for its material worth but for the legacy it represents. Despite the high expectations, the intrinsic value of the jersey lies in its association with one of basketball's greatest players, immortalizing a moment that transcends time. As the gavel prepares to fall, all eyes will be on this iconic piece, waiting to see if it will shatter previous records and cement its place as a heralded relic of sports history.