LeBron James' Iconic High School Jersey Heads to Auction
In a remarkable event for sports memorabilia collectors, the jersey worn by LeBron James during his lauded "The Chosen One" photoshoot for Sports Illustrated in 2002 is set to hit the auction block in Hong Kong this September. The highly anticipated auction is scheduled for September 28, and the jersey is expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
This isn't the first time the jersey has seen the auction lights. The iconic piece of sports history previously sold for $187,500 in 2019 and saw a jump to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. Clearly, as LeBron’s career has continued to reach new heights, the value of this memento from his high school days has soared.
A Historical Snapshot
The photographer behind the now-famous shoot, Michael LeBrecht, reminisced about the pivotal moment that birthed one of LeBron James' most memorable public images. "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 recounted. He described the session as a transformative experience, saying, "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
LeBrecht vividly remembered the details of the shoot, emphasizing just how simple yet powerful the setup was. "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!'"
More Than Just a Jersey
There's a palpable sentimental value attached to the jersey beyond its financial worth. LeBron wore it during a pivotal game in his junior season, where he scored 32 points, showcasing the early signs of the superstar he would eventually become. Fans are not just buying a piece of cloth; they are buying a piece of basketball history laden with memories and immense cultural significance.
"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 underscored the silent yet potent presence of the jersey. The photographer also shared his one regret, humorously noting, "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot."
The Legacy Continues
LeBron James' journey from high school phenom to NBA legend is well-documented. He declared for the 2003 NBA Draft the following year and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now at the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron’s influence on the sport continues to grow. Recently, he even added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his already impressive list of accolades.
The upcoming auction presents a rare opportunity for fans and collectors to own a tangible piece of LeBron's illustrious career. As the jersey once again hits the market, it stands as a testament to LeBron's enduring impact on the game of basketball. Whether it ends up fetching $1 million or closer to $2 million, what’s certain is that this jersey remains a cherished relic of one of the sport's greatest players, woven into the fabric of basketball history.