LeBron James' iconic jersey from his "The Chosen One" Sports Illustrated photoshoot is set to make headlines once again. This significant piece of sports memorabilia will go up for auction in Hong Kong on September 28, and it’s expected to draw bids ranging from $1 to $2 million.
Back in 2002, a young high school junior named LeBron James posed for a relatively simple photoshoot with photographer Michael LeBrecht. The resulting image, featuring the young basketball prodigy in his St. Vincent-St. Mary jersey, went on to become a symbol of his destined greatness. On that day, LeBrecht captured a range of emotions and energies from LeBron.
"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 shared, highlighting how momentous that day was. He recalls, "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
A Jersey with Rich History
The jersey isn't just a relic of a photoshoot. It represents a pivotal game in LeBron's junior year, where he scored 32 points, steering his team to victory and solidifying his position as a basketball phenom. This was also the year before LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft, where he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. As of now, LeBron is 39 years old and entering his 22nd NBA season, a testament to his enduring talent and resilience. Moreover, he recently added another gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his impressive list of accolades.
The jersey's auction history mirrors LeBron’s ascension in the basketball world. It was first sold for $187,500 in 2019, followed by a dramatic jump to $512,200 in 2021. Now, it’s poised to potentially break the million-dollar mark, which showcases the growing appreciation of LeBron’s early career artifacts.
The Photographer's Recollection
Reflecting on the shoot, Michael LeBrecht recounted, "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!'
LeBrecht's vivid memories paint a clear picture of a young athlete on the brink of greatness and a photographer recognizing the immense potential in front of his lens. "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 added, emphasizing the lasting impact of that jersey and the shoot.
A Missed Opportunity
For LeBrecht, the only regret from that iconic shoot is a personal one. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he admitted. Little did he know then how significant that jersey would become, both in the annals of sports memorabilia and in the narrative of LeBron James’ illustrious career.
As the auction approaches, the sports world and memorabilia collectors alike will be watching closely. The jersey that once captured the aspirations of a young LeBron James now stands as a testament to fulfilled potential and the promise of athletic greatness. Whether the final bid meets or surpasses the expected amount, one thing is certain: this jersey is far more than a piece of fabric. It’s a piece of history.