In the world of sports memorabilia, few items carry the weight and historical significance of the jersey worn by a young LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated. This iconic piece is set to go under the hammer in Hong Kong on September 28, and it's expected to fetch a staggering sum, potentially between $1 million and $2 million.
Back in 2002, Michael LeBrecht captured a defining moment in sports history. As the photographer behind the legendary shoot, LeBrecht recalls, "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary." Little did they know, this simple setup would turn into a significant turning point for the then high school basketball prodigy, LeBron James.
A Historic Jersey with a Growing Value
Historic items like this don't just impress with their initial impact but also their increasing value over time. The jersey initially sold for $187,500 in 2019, which was already a sizeable amount. However, it saw a significant jump to $512,200 during an auction in 2021. Now, anticipating its next appearance on the auction block, experts predict the jersey could fetch between $1 million and $2 million, showcasing its continued growth in value and the undying interest in LeBron's early career.
The significance of the jersey goes beyond the photoshoot. LeBron wore it during a pivotal game in his junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary, where he scored an impressive 32 points. This performance and the subsequent iconic photo were preludes to his declaration for the 2003 NBA Draft, where he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
An Iconic Photograph
Reflecting on the photoshoot, LeBrecht shared some behind-the-scenes insights: "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's direction led to the creation of an image that remains deeply entrenched in the minds of basketball fans. It's not just another photograph; it encapsulates the ambition, emerging talent, and the turning point in LeBron's career.
A Legacy Cemented
Today, at 39, LeBron James stands as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, entering his 22nd NBA season. His storied career has been marked by numerous championships, accolades, and recently, he added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his extensive list of achievements. Reflecting on this journey – from a high school prodigy to a global icon – the jersey represents the beginning of it all.
LeBrecht humorously acknowledges a missed opportunity: "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot." This jersey, now an invaluable artifact, wouldn't just have been a prized possession but also a testament to his contribution to one of the most significant moments in sports photography.
Returning to this jersey, LeBrecht encapsulates the sentiment felt by many: "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." This piece of apparel, despite being an inanimate object, holds stories, emotions, and memories of a young athlete's aspirations and the dawn of a legendary career.
As the auction date approaches, collectors, basketball aficionados, and historians alike are keeping a keen eye on this jersey. Beyond its fabric, it embodies a moment in time, a symbol of raw potential, and the beginning of an unparalleled journey in the annals of basketball history.
For those fortunate enough to witness its sale, the jersey is more than just a memorabilia item; it's a touchstone to a time when a young player, dubbed "The Chosen One," began his path to greatness.