LeBron James' Iconic High School Jersey Heads to Auction
In what is poised to be a momentous event for basketball memorabilia enthusiasts, the jersey LeBron James donned during his "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to be auctioned in Hong Kong this September. The auction, slated for September 28, promises to attract bidders from around the globe, with the jersey expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
The iconic jersey, which holds significant sentimental and historical value, has seen its fair share of the auction block over the years. It was last sold for $187,500 in 2019, demonstrating a surge in value to $512,200 during a 2021 auction. This upward trajectory in price speaks volumes about the jersey's significance and the rising appreciation for LeBron James' early career milestones.
A Pivotal Piece of History
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer behind the legendary 2002 photoshoot, recounted his experience capturing a young LeBron James. "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 reflected. The photoshoot, which featured a high school junior named LeBron James, was a pivotal moment in LeBron's career. It marked the beginning of his journey to becoming a global icon.
LeBron wore the jersey during a crucial game in his junior season, where he delivered an impressive performance, scoring 32 points. This game, among others, cemented his status as a generational talent. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," LeBrecht said, emphasizing the lasting impact of that era.
The Rise of "The Chosen One"
Reflecting on his first encounter with the basketball prodigy, LeBrecht described the photoshoot as a simple setup. "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 energy and enthusiasm captured in those images resonated with audiences and added to the growing legend of LeBron James. Within a year, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft, where he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The rest, as they say, is history, with LeBron going on to build one of the most storied careers in NBA history.
LeBron's Legacy and Enduring Influence
Now at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James continues to be a dominant force in the league. Recently, he added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his list of accolades, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
LeBrecht's reflections on the iconic jersey underscore its importance not just as a piece of memorabilia, but as a tangible link to a transformative period in sports history. "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."
The jersey, a silent witness to the dawn of LeBron's extraordinary career, holds a special place in the hearts of basketball fans and collectors alike. LeBrecht's wistful comment, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," captures the emotional connection and nostalgia tied to this piece of sports history.
As the auction date approaches, the anticipation surrounding the sale of this revered jersey continues to build. Whether it will meet or exceed its expected price range remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this piece of LeBron James' legacy will forever be cherished by the basketball community.