LeBron James' Iconic High School Jersey Hits Auction Block
LeBron James' Iconic High School Jersey Hits Auction Block
In a moment poised to capture the attention of sports memorabilia collectors worldwide, the jersey worn by LeBron James during his iconic "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to hit the auction block in Hong Kong this September. The jersey, a symbol of a pivotal moment in James' illustrious career, will be auctioned on September 28.
Experts anticipate the jersey to fetch between $1 and $2 million, marking a significant increase from its previous sales. The jersey first sold for $187,500 in 2019 and saw a considerable jump to $512,200 in a 2021 auction, reflecting its ever-growing historical and sentimental value.
The Photoshoot That Made History
The photographer behind that legendary shoot, Michael LeBrecht, recalls the day vividly. "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 said. The shoot, which took place in LeBron’s junior year of high school, became a turning point not just for James but for the world of sports photography. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal," LeBrecht reminisced.
LeBrecht's approach to the shoot was simple yet impactful. "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!'"
A Pivotal Game and a Historic Decision
The significance of the jersey extends beyond the photoshoot. James wore it during a crucial game in his junior season, where he scored an impressive 32 points. This performance solidified his status as a high school phenom and garnered national attention.
Just a year after donning that jersey, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected him as the No. 1 overall pick, a decision that would alter the course of the franchise and the NBA.
A Journey of Excellence
As LeBron prepares to enter his 22nd NBA season at the age of 39, his journey from a highly-touted high school player to an NBA legend is nothing short of extraordinary. His career is decorated with numerous accolades, the most recent being a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics, adding yet another chapter to his storied legacy.
The Iconic Jersey
Returning to the jersey, LeBrecht offers a poignant reflection. "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 LeBron’s rise, holds an irreplaceable place in sports history.
One can sense a tinge of regret in LeBrecht’s voice as he adds, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
With its auction set for September 28 in Hong Kong, this jersey is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a relic of a moment when a young LeBron James began his journey to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time. As bidders prepare to compete for this historic item, the jersey serves as a reminder of the raw potential and ambition of a young athlete destined for greatness.
