The jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to be auctioned in Hong Kong this September, with expectations that it could fetch between $1 and $2 million.
The auction, scheduled for September 28, marks another milestone in the journey of this sentimental piece of sports memorabilia. The jersey previously sold for $187,500 in 2019 and saw a significant jump to $512,200 in a 2021 auction, illustrating the enduring impact of LeBron’s early career on fans and collectors alike.
An Iconic Photoshoot
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer behind that famous shoot, reminisced about the experience, highlighting the monumental significance of the 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 recalled. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
The photoshoot captured a young LeBron James in the midst of his junior season, a pivotal period where he would score 32 points, leading his high school team to multiple victories. LeBrecht added some personal anecdotes from the session, saying, "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!'"
Path to the NBA
The year following the photoshoot, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. His journey from a high school prodigy to one of the most decorated athletes in the sport has been nothing short of remarkable.
Now at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron has continued to amass an unparalleled list of achievements. Most recently, he added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his already impressive collection of accolades, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
A Sentimental Return
For LeBrecht, the auction brings back a wave of memories. Reflecting on the jersey, he noted, "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 jersey, preserved as a symbol of a defining moment in sports history, holds a unique place in both LeBron's career and the hearts of fans worldwide.
The sentimentality of the moment is not lost on LeBrecht, who jokingly lamented, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot." This poignant remark underscores the unexpected journey that this piece of memorabilia has traveled, from a locker room in Ohio to a global auction stage.
As the auction date approaches, the story of LeBron's "The Chosen One" jersey serves as a reminder of how singular moments can capture the imagination and leave an indelible mark on sports history. Whether it fetches $1 million or $2 million, the jersey remains a testament to LeBron James' extraordinary ascent and the timeless power of sports to inspire.