LeBron James’ illustrious career has been marked by numerous iconic moments, but few are more memorable than his "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002. The jersey he wore for that transformative shoot is now set to make waves in the auction world, with experts projecting it could sell for between $1 and $2 million when it goes under the hammer in Hong Kong on September 28.
A Significant Auction
This isn’t the first time the jersey has been sold at auction. Its journey to this point is a testament to LeBron's evolving legacy and skyrocketing fame. Initially, the jersey fetched $187,500 in 2019. Just two years later, in 2021, it saw an impressive jump to $512,200—nearly triple its previous value.
The substantial increase in the jersey's valuation reflects not only LeBron's enduring influence in the world of basketball but also the historical significance of the jersey itself. It hails from a pivotal game in his junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary, during which LeBron scored 32 points—a performance that further cemented his potential and set the stage for his future success.
Behind the Lens: Michael LeBrecht’s Reflections
Photographer Michael LeBrecht, the creative mind behind the iconic shoot, shared his nostalgic thoughts on that memorable day.
"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."
LeBrecht's connection to the shoot is more than just professional. It's deeply personal, encapsulating the raw emotions and aspirations of a young LeBron James on the cusp of stardom.
"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!'"
A Jersey with a Voice
The jersey holds a silent narrative, speaking volumes about LeBron's journey from high school phenom to global superstar. LeBrecht's sentiment captures this unspoken connection beautifully.
"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," LeBrecht mused.
He even expressed a hint of regret, joking about a missed opportunity from the day of the shoot, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
LeBron’s Unstoppable Ascent
LeBron's trajectory following that photoshoot was nothing short of meteoric. Declaring for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year, he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, swiftly establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone. Now at 39 years old and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron continues to add chapters to his already legendary career.
Most recently, he added another gold medal to his collection at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further solidifying his place in the pantheon of basketball greats.
As the jersey prepares to hit the auction block once more, it serves as a tangible piece of basketball history—a symbol of a moment when a young LeBron James was on the verge of becoming "The Chosen One." For collectors and fans alike, it’s an opportunity to own a piece of the past, reflective of a career that has exceeded even the loftiest expectations.