As the sports memorabilia market continues to sizzle, a piece of history from LeBron James' early years is set to make a significant splash. The jersey worn by a young LeBron during his memorable "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is poised to hit the auction block in Hong Kong on September 28. This iconic piece is anticipated to fetch between a staggering $1 million and $2 million.
A Historic Garment
Back in 2002, the precocious high school junior from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School hadn't yet played a single NBA game, but his talent was already generating seismic waves in the basketball world. The shoot, orchestrated by photographer Michael LeBrecht, featured LeBron in his high school jersey, a visual that has since become legendary in sports photography.
Reflecting on the shoot, LeBrecht recalls, "The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time that I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary." Little did he know then how significant that moment—and that jersey—would become.
The Pre-NBA Icon
The jersey isn't just a piece of fabric; it's a symbol of a turning point. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," LeBrecht adds. This jersey witnessed LeBron during a pivotal game in his junior season where he dropped 32 points, underscoring his prodigious talent and foreshadowing the greatness to come.
A Climb in Value
This isn't the first time the jersey has been up for grabs. It last sold for $187,500 in 2019 and saw a notable jump to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. The escalating value of the jersey mirrors LeBron’s own rise in the sports hierarchy, from a high school prodigy to one of the greatest NBA players of all time.
Behind the Lens: LeBrecht's Memories
Michael LeBrecht, the man behind the camera, has some fond but bittersweet memories of that photoshoot. "This was the first time I shot LeBron. Just kind of a simple setup. I had him dunk the ball at least 40 times," he reminisces. "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 Moment
Photographs capture a moment in time, and revisiting them can be a surreal experience. LeBrecht reflects on the significance of the jersey: "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."
However, there's a tinge of regret in his voice as he adds, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
Continued Legacy
LeBron James, now 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, has recently added another accolade to his storied career with a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics. From a promising high school junior to a No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft, and now a seasoned veteran, his journey is nothing short of remarkable. The escalating valuation of his high school jersey is a testament not just to his past, but to the enduring influence he continues to wield in the realm of sports.
As collectors and fans eagerly await the auction, there's no doubt that this jersey will continue to be a shining artifact of LeBron James' indelible mark on the sport of basketball.