In September, the sports memorabilia market is set to witness yet another historic moment. The jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 will be auctioned in Hong Kong. The date is marked for September 28, and expectations are high, with the jersey projected to fetch between $1 and $2 million. This piece of basketball history has seen a significant rise in value over the years, having previously sold for $187,500 in 2019 and jumping to $512,200 in a 2021 auction.
A Pivotal Moment in Basketball History
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer behind the legendary shoot, recalls the significance of that moment. "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. His words capture the nostalgia and importance of that shoot, a turning point that has only grown in magnitude over the years. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
Indeed, the shoot was more than just a photoshoot; it was a pivotal moment in LeBron's young career. Wearing that jersey, LeBron scored 32 points in a crucial game during his junior season. This performance cemented his reputation as one of the most promising talents in basketball, leading to his decision to declare for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year. He was subsequently selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, setting the stage for a legendary career.
The Man Behind the Lens
LeBrecht's recollections extend beyond the historical significance of the event. He vividly describes the shoot’s dynamics. "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 candid moments captured LeBron's youthful enthusiasm and the raw passion that would define his career. LeBrecht's direction and LeBron’s eagerness to engage with the camera resulted in images that would become emblematic of the future star’s journey.
An Iconic Piece of Memorabilia
The auction of the jersey is not just a commercial transaction; it is a celebration of an era in basketball history. LeBrecht, who has had a storied career in sports photography, acknowledges the unique nature of this piece. "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."
Despite the considerable earnings the jersey fetched in previous auctions, LeBrecht humorously laments a missed opportunity. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he quipped, a nod to the unforeseen value the jersey would accrue over time.
LeBron's Legacy Continues
LeBron James, now at 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, continues to add to his unparalleled list of achievements. Most recently, he added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his already impressive collection of accolades. Each milestone in his career only amplifies the significance of artifacts like the auctioned jersey.
As the auction date approaches, the sports world watches with bated breath. This jersey isn't just a piece of cloth; it’s a symbol of LeBron’s journey from a high school prodigy to an NBA legend. The outcome of this auction will be a testament to the lasting impact LeBron has had on the sport and the indelible mark he continues to leave on basketball history.