LeBron James' Iconic Jersey to Hit Auction Block in Hong Kong
Seventeen years after LeBron James was first dubbed "The Chosen One" by Sports Illustrated, the jersey he wore during that iconic photoshoot is set to make waves in the auction world. This historic piece of sports memorabilia will be up for auction in Hong Kong on September 28, with expectations that it could fetch between $1 and $2 million.
A Piece of History
The significance of this jersey extends far beyond its fabric. Worn by a young LeBron during a pivotal game in his junior season at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, the jersey symbolizes the early promise and towering potential that would later be fully realized. That evening, LeBron scored an impressive 32 points, a feat that would foreshadow his future dominance in the NBA.
Michael LeBrecht, the photographer who captured the moment for Sports Illustrated, recalls the memorabilia with a mix of nostalgia and awe. "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."
The Journey of the Jersey
When the jersey was last sold in 2019, it fetched a respectable $187,500. However, its value saw a dramatic jump to $512,200 in a 2021 auction. Now, with LeBron's legacy further cemented by numerous accolades, including a recently added gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics, the jersey's worth is expected to soar even higher.
LeBrecht affectionately recounts his initial photoshoot with LeBron, marking it as a memorable moment in both of their careers. "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 Iconic Status
Indeed, the jersey has become more than just a memento from a high school basketball game. It's a symbol of LeBron's journey from a promising young athlete to a global sports icon. "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 observed, highlighting the almost ethereal quality the jersey holds in the annals of basketball history.
Reflecting on past decisions, LeBrecht expressed a tinge of regret. "What's f---ed up is I didn't ask to take the jersey home after the shoot," he lamented. This sentiment is likely shared by many fans and collectors who would have valued such a piece of history. Nonetheless, its availability in the upcoming auction presents a unique opportunity for someone to own a tangible piece of LeBron's storied career.
A Lasting Legacy
At the age of 39 and entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James continues to build on a legacy that began with the very jersey now up for auction. Selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft, LeBron's path to greatness was clear from the start. As he adds more milestones and accolades to his name, the significance of his early years becomes ever more poignant.
The auction of this jersey is not merely a sale but a celebration of a remarkable journey. It serves as a reminder of the promise and potential seen in a young LeBron, who would go on to reshape the landscape of professional basketball. For collectors, fans, and historians alike, this jersey represents a seminal chapter in the story of one of the greatest athletes of all time.