LeBron James' Iconic "The Chosen One" Jersey Set for Auction
The jersey worn by LeBron James during his historic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is poised to make headlines once again as it hits the auction block in Hong Kong on September 28. This jersey is no ordinary piece of sports memorabilia; it’s a symbol of the dawn of one of basketball’s most illustrious careers.
The estimated auction price is projected to be between $1 and $2 million, reflecting the jersey’s soaring value and its deep significance in the annals of sports history. Interestingly, this same jersey sold for $187,500 in 2019, and its value spiked to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming auction is palpable, as collectors and fans of the sport look forward to another record-breaking event.
A Pivotal Moment Captured
The man behind the lens, Michael LeBrecht, vividly recalls the shoot, which transpired during a crucial phase in LeBron's early career. LeBron, then a high school junior, wore the jersey during a game in which he scored an impressive 32 points. This performance solidified his reputation as a rising star in basketball, eventually leading him to declare for the 2003 NBA Draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected him as the No. 1 overall pick, marking the start of his storied NBA journey.
"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 reminisced. The iconic photoshoot not only showcased LeBron’s talent but also captured his aspirations of making it into the NBA. "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!'"
An Iconic Memento
The significance of the jersey extends beyond just a piece of clothing. It encapsulates a pivotal moment in LeBron's life and career—a turning point that heralded the arrival of a basketball prodigy who would go on to become one of the greatest players of all time. LeBrecht reflected on this, saying, "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
As he spoke about the jersey, there was a sense of nostalgia and a recognition of the serendipitous nature of that moment. "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 noted. The iconic status of the jersey, however, was not immediately apparent to LeBrecht. In a candid moment, he confessed, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
LeBron’s Enduring Legacy
As LeBron James, now 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, continues to build upon his legacy, the jersey stands as a testament to his journey and achievements. Adding to his remarkable career, LeBron recently secured a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics, further cementing his status as a global icon in the world of sports.
The upcoming auction not only offers a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of sports history but also serves as a reminder of LeBron's incredible journey from a promising high school athlete to an NBA legend. The jersey is more than just fabric and thread; it's a symbol of hope, hard work, and the realization of dreams.
In a few weeks, all eyes will be on Hong Kong as this emblematic jersey is poised to command attention and potentially set new records. Whether it fetches $1 million, $2 million, or an even higher number, the true value lies in its story and the memories it evokes of LeBron James’ meteoric rise in the world of basketball.