The jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is poised to become one of the most sought-after pieces of sports memorabilia. The jersey, which holds tremendous sentimental value and historical significance, is set to go under the hammer in Hong Kong on September 28. Expectations are sky-high, with estimates suggesting it could fetch between $1 and $2 million.
This isn't the first time the jersey has been on the auction block. In 2019, it sold for $187,500, which seemed hefty at the time. However, its value has sky-rocketed in recent years, jumping to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The escalating price underscores the jersey's increasing significance in the pantheon of sports collectibles.
The Backstory
The jersey is not just a piece of fabric; it’s a snapshot of a pivotal moment in sports history. LeBron James wore it during a crucial game in his junior high school season, a game where he dropped an impressive 32 points. This performance was an early indicator of the greatness that would come.
Michael LeBrecht was the photographer behind the iconic 2002 Sports Illustrated shoot. Reflecting on that day, LeBrecht shared, “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’s nostalgia is palpable as he recalls a defining moment that none of them realized would be so impactful. “You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal,” he said.
An Unforgettable Shoot
The shoot itself was a blend of simplicity and raw talent, capturing a young LeBron who was on the cusp of greatness. “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!'” LeBrecht recounted.
In the years since, LeBron has carved out a legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Shortly after that photoshoot, he declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then, his career has been a masterclass in excellence and longevity.
Now at the age of 39, LeBron is entering his 22nd NBA season, a feat that’s as much a testament to his physical conditioning as it is to his mental fortitude. His list of accolades recently grew even longer with the addition of a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics. This milestone further cements his status as a global sports icon.
A Piece of History
For those who get to see the jersey in person at the auction, it’s more than an item up for sale; it's a relic of a turning point in sports history. LeBrecht sums this up poignantly, “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.”
Adding a touch of personal reflection, LeBrecht shared a humorous regret: “What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot.” The jersey, now so highly valued, was once just a prop in a high school locker room, forever immortalized in a single photoshoot that captured the burgeoning greatness of LeBron James.
The auction of "The Chosen One" jersey is not just about the sale of sports memorabilia; it's about commemorating a moment in time, a young athlete's dream, and the beginning of a journey that continues to inspire millions around the world. As the jersey finds its new owner, it will carry forward the legacy of a young man who grew into a legend.