An Iconic Jersey: LeBron James' 'The Chosen One' Attire Heads to Auction
An Iconic Jersey: LeBron James' "The Chosen One" Attire Heads to Auction
In a story that perfectly encapsulates the meteoric rise of LeBron James, the jersey he wore for the defining "The Chosen One" Sports Illustrated photoshoot in 2002 is set to hit the auction block in Hong Kong on September 28th. Expected to fetch between $1 and $2 million, this jersey has already seen a significant evolution in value, having been sold for $187,500 in 2019 and $512,200 in 2021.
The jersey holds a unique place in sports history. It was during a pivotal game in his junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School that LeBron donned this jersey, scoring an impressive 32 points. The following year, LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking the beginning of a legendary career.
### A Snapshot of Greatness
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer behind the iconic shoot, recalls the significance of that moment. "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 reminisced. "You look back and you don't realize, it was a real turning point. It's surreal."
For LeBrecht, the shoot was a relatively straightforward task, but it produced one of the most memorable images in sports history. "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 vividly described.
### A Piece of History
Even after all these years, the jersey doesn't lose its magic for those who were present at the time. Upon seeing the jersey again, LeBrecht said, "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."
However, there are moments of regret too. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," LeBrecht admitted, reflecting on the importance that single garment has garnered over the years.
### Legacy of a Legend
LeBron, now at the age of 39, is entering his 22nd NBA season. His achievements, both on and off the court, continue to grow. Most recently, he added a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to his extensive list of accolades, solidifying his status as one of the greatest athletes of his generation.
The upcoming auction is not merely a sale of fabric, but a transfer of a piece of basketball lore. The jersey symbolizes the inception of LeBron's illustrious career and the monumental impact he has had on the sport. From a young phenom gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated to a seasoned veteran with numerous titles and records, LeBron's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
For collectors and fans alike, this jersey is more than an item of clothing; it's a tangible piece of sports history that continues to captivate and inspire. As it goes under the hammer, it will once again remind us of the iconic moment when a young LeBron was on the brink of greatness, aptly dubbed "The Chosen One."
