LeBron James' Iconic Jersey from 'The Chosen One' Photoshoot Heads to Auction
LeBron James' Iconic Jersey from "The Chosen One" Photoshoot Heads to Auction
In a significant event for sports memorabilia collectors, the jersey worn by LeBron James during his landmark "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to hit the auction block. The auction will take place in Hong Kong on September 28, and the jersey is anticipated to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer who captured this iconic image, reminisced about the original shoot. "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 reflected. For LeBrecht, the shoot was transformative. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
A Symbol of a Basketball Legend's Beginnings
This jersey isn't just a piece of clothing; it represents the beginning of LeBron James' meteoric rise to basketball stardom. LeBron wore it during a pivotal game in his junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, scoring an impressive 32 points. Just a year later, he declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, a moment that marked the start of a legendary career.
LeBrecht recalled the energy and ambition of young LeBron during the photoshoot. "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!'"
Previous Auctions and Current Anticipations
The jersey's auction history adds to its allure. Originally sold for $187,500 in 2019, the value saw a significant jump to $512,200 just two years later in 2021. With its next auction set in Hong Kong, experts predict it could fetch up to $2 million, reflecting not only its iconic status but also the enduring legacy of LeBron James.
LeBron, now 39 years old and entering his 22nd NBA season, continues to add to his storied career. Most recently, he secured a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a testament to his sustained excellence and physical prowess despite the rigors of time.
The Photographer's Reflections
LeBrecht's reflections offer a personal touch to the jersey’s storied history. "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." The emotional connection LeBrecht feels towards the jersey is evident, especially when he humorously noted, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
As the auction date approaches, collectors and fans alike are eager to see how much this piece of basketball history will fetch. The jersey stands as a symbol of LeBron's early promise and the moment when the world began to recognize his potential to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
