The Sports Jersey That Marked LeBron James’s 'Chosen One' Moment Heads to Auction
The jersey donned by a young LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is making its way to the auction block in Hong Kong this September. This keepsake from an era-defining moment in sports history is expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million, demonstrating the insatiable appetite for memorabilia associated with one of basketball's greatest players.
The highly anticipated auction date is set for September 28, a date that will be marked on the calendar of collectors and fans alike. Notably, the same jersey previously sold for $187,500 in 2019, a figure that skyrocketed to an astonishing $512,200 in a 2021 auction. This upwards trajectory in value highlights the jersey's growing significance within the sports memorabilia market.
Michael LeBrecht's Iconic Photoshoot
The iconic image that has captivated fans for over two decades was captured by photographer Michael LeBrecht. Reflecting on the moment, LeBrecht vividly 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." Indeed, it was during LeBron's junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School where he wore the jersey during a pivotal game, scoring an impressive 32 points.
This session was no ordinary photoshoot. It was a turning point not only in LeBron's budding career but also in the world of sports photography. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," LeBrecht reminisced. The simplicity of the setup belied the monumental impact these images would have: "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 Journey of the Jersey
For collectors, this piece holds immense value not just because of its association with James but due to the narrative it represents. From being sold for under $200,000 to more than a half-million in just a couple of years, it speaks volumes about LeBron's influence and legacy. "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 reflects, underscoring the unique nature of inanimate memorabilia tied to living legends.
Interestingly, the jersey also carries a tinge of regret for LeBrecht. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he admitted, acknowledging the emotional and financial value the jersey now holds.
The Legacy of LeBron James
LeBron's influence extends far beyond his high school performance. In 2003, he declared for the NBA Draft and was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fast forward to the present, LeBron is now 39 years old and embarking on his 22nd NBA season—a testament to his enduring excellence and athleticism.
In addition to his illustrious NBA career, LeBron has also made his mark on the international stage, recently adding a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his extensive list of accolades.
As the auction date approaches, the excitement and anticipation surrounding this jersey continue to build. It serves not only as a piece of sports history but also as a reminder of the moments that shape legends. For fans and collectors, this jersey represents more than fabric and thread—it is a piece of the journey of one of basketball's all-time greats.