In the annals of sports memorabilia, certain items transcend mere material value, embodying the essence of iconic athletes and their journeys to stardom. Such is the case with the jersey worn by LeBron James during his "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002, an artefact that is now set to hit the auction block in Hong Kong on September 28. The jersey, a symbol of a young prodigy on the cusp of greatness, is expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
This is not the first time the jersey has seen the bright lights of an auction house. In 2019, it garnered a sale price of $187,500, a figure that seemed monumental at the time. Yet, the trajectory of this jersey’s value mirrors that of LeBron's illustrious career. By 2021, its worth had surged to $512,200, reflecting the growing appreciation for the history it encapsulates.
A Pivotal Garment
The significance of the jersey is deeply rooted in a pivotal moment from LeBron’s junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where he scored 32 points in a game that cemented his status as a future NBA star. Capturing this moment on camera was Michael LeBrecht, the photographer behind the now-famous Sports Illustrated cover shoot. LeBrecht reminisced, "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary."
For LeBrecht, the shoot was more than just another assignment; it was the birth of an icon. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," he reflected. The session itself was a blend of spontaneity and creativity. "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!'"
The Path to Greatness
As fate would have it, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year, an event that would see the Cleveland Cavaliers selecting him as the No. 1 overall pick. Now, at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron has established himself among the pantheon of basketball legends. His legacy was further solidified recently with the addition of a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his already expansive list of accolades.
The auction of this jersey not only serves as a nod to LeBron’s past but also as a reflection of how certain moments and memorabilia are revered in the sports world. "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. There’s a palpable nostalgia and reverence in his words, underscoring the jersey's intrinsic value.
LeBron's Symbolic Attire
Yet, amid the fond recollections, LeBrecht couldn’t help but express a tinge of regret. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he admitted. That particular choice, or lack thereof, underscores how certain relics gain significance over time, often surpassing the foresight of those involved at the moment.
As we approach the auction date, the anticipation builds, with collectors and fans alike eager to see how much this piece of basketball history will command. The jersey, much like LeBron himself, has weathered the journey from precocity to prominence, and its eventual sale will undoubtedly be a testament to the enduring allure of sports legends and the artifacts that symbolize their ascendance.