LeBron's Iconic Jersey Hits Auction Block
In the annals of basketball history, few moments stand as monumental as LeBron James' "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002. Now, the jersey that the basketball prodigy donned during that iconic photoshoot is set to go under the hammer in Hong Kong on September 28, and it's expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
The jersey, imbued with historical significance, has been the subject of previous auctions. In 2019, it sold for $187,500. Two years later, in 2021, its value surged to $512,200. This year, collectors and basketball aficionados eagerly anticipate a record-breaking bid.
Michael LeBrecht's Perspective
Michael LeBrecht, the talented photographer behind the famed shoot, recalls the experience with a mix of nostalgia and surrealism. "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 shares. He describes the moment as a "real turning point," emphasizing the profound impact it had on the trajectory of LeBron's career.
LeBrecht's memories of the photoshoot are vivid. "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!'"
These moments, captured with precision and flair, contributed to the aura surrounding "The Chosen One" moniker, spotlighting a young LeBron James on the brink of stardom.
A Jersey Steeped in History
LeBron wore the jersey during a pivotal game in his junior season, where he showcased his prodigious talent by scoring 32 points. The following year, he declared for the 2003 NBA Draft, where he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The decision marked the beginning of a storied NBA career that continues to inspire generations of basketball players and fans alike.
Now at the age of 39, LeBron is entering his 22nd NBA season, a testament to his enduring skill and tenacity. Recently, he added another accolade to his already impressive resume by securing a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Auction's Significance
The upcoming auction in Hong Kong isn't just about a piece of memorabilia; it's a celebration of a defining moment in sports history. LeBrecht articulates this sentiment eloquently: "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."
He humorously laments not keeping the jersey after the shoot, saying, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
For collectors, owning this jersey means possessing a tangible connection to the early days of LeBron's legendary career. It symbolizes not only his potential at the time but also the fulfillment of that potential and the legacy he's built in the years since.
Conclusion
As the auction date approaches, the excitement surrounding this piece of basketball history continues to build. Whether it fetches the anticipated $1 to $2 million or surpasses those expectations, the jersey from LeBron James' "The Chosen One" photoshoot remains a testament to a moment when a young athlete's dreams began to crystallize into a reality that would captivate the world.