One of the most significant memorabilia in the history of basketball is set to hit the auction block this September, stirring excitement and nostalgia across the sports world. The iconic jersey worn by LeBron James during his "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 will be auctioned off in Hong Kong on September 28. This event marks another chapter in the illustrious career of one of basketball's greatest players.
A Jersey with a Story
The jersey, a piece of history, is expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million. This is a significant increase from its previous sales, having sold for $187,500 in 2019 and then seeing a dramatic jump to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The anticipation surrounding this auction highlights the jersey's growing value as a symbol of LeBron's early career and his journey to becoming a global icon.
Photographer Michael LeBrecht, who captured the iconic image of LeBron in 2002, recalls the moment with a mix of pride and 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 reminisces. The shoot was a pivotal moment, capturing an 18-year-old LeBron on the brink of his legendary NBA career.
A Pivotal Moment in LeBron's Career
The jersey is more than just a piece of fabric; it represents a turning point in LeBron's life and career. During his junior season, wearing this jersey, he scored 32 points in a game that not only showcased his talent but also solidified his status as a future NBA star. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," LeBrecht reflects.
LeBron's journey from a high school phenom to an NBA legend was swift. He declared for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary career that has spanned over two decades, filled with numerous achievements and accolades.
A Memorable Photoshoot
LeBrecht's recollections of the photoshoot provide a vivid glimpse into the making of an iconic image. "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 photographer's creative vision and LeBron's willingness to engage resulted in a photo that captured the essence of a young man on the brink of greatness. LeBrecht's connection to the jersey and its significance is evident in his reflections. "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."
An Iconic Piece of Memorabilia
As LeBron James, now 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, continues to add to his legacy—recently securing a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics—the jersey represents a tangible connection to his humble beginnings and meteoric rise. The upcoming auction is not just about the monetary value of the jersey; it's about owning a piece of history that encapsulates the early promise of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
For collectors and fans alike, this auction is an opportunity to own a significant artifact from LeBron's career. The anticipation surrounding the event is a testament to the enduring legacy of "The Chosen One" and the timeless appeal of sports memorabilia.