LeBron's Iconic High School Jersey Will Fetch a Record Price at Auction

St. Vincent-St. The Mary High school jersey that LeBron James wore during his Sports Illustrated cover story in 2002 is about to make history again. Set for auction in Hong Kong on September 28, this piece of sports memorabilia is expected to fetch between $1 million and $2 million.

If the jersey meets this prediction, it will become the most expensive high school jersey ever sold, surpassing previous records and cementing its place in basketball history.

This jersey gained worldwide recognition for its association with the cover of Sports Illustrated, which dubbed Jacob “The Chosen One.” The cover was an important moment in the young athlete's career, showing her great potential and helping her gain national attention. This moment was not only an important media event but also a harbinger of the amazing career that was to come from James.

👑 Witness the genesis of a legend. #LeBronJames'The Chosen One' #jersey – a sign of his predestined greatness, he bids at the “Legends in Motion” auction.

Register & Bidhttps://t.co/kZZEkY4XzK#LeBronJames #TheKhethiweOmunye #KingJames #JuliensAuctions pic.twitter.com/iEpzoOsPky

– Julien's Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) August 28, 2024

In recent years, the jersey has been sold twice at auction, each time for significant sums. The first sale in 2019 saw the jersey go for $187,500, reflecting its growing value among collectors. Two years later, in 2021, it was sold for $512,200, further emphasizing its growing value. Now, with the upcoming auction, the value of the jersey is expected to reach an unprecedented high.

Michael LeBrecht, the photographer who shot that Sports Illustrated photo shoot, shared his thoughts on the jersey and photo with Julien's, the auction house that is hosting the upcoming event. LeBrecht recalled the experience, saying, “You go back to something you've photographed, you usually say 'what's up, how are you? It's been a minute.' This is not negotiable. But it is an iconic building.”

LeBrecht described the simplicity and importance of the image. “The last time I saw this jersey was probably the time I shot it in the locker room at St. Vincent-St. Mary. It was the first time I shot LeBron. Kind of a simple setup. I had him dunk the ball at least 40 times. I made him pray to make the NBA, and then I heard him say, 'Okay, let's be more animated.' You put it, I'd say 'just put my hand out like this,' and I'd say, 'give me a woo!' And you say, 'Wow!'”

The shooting was a turning point for both LeBron James and the basketball world. LeBrecht's comment shows the importance of this period: “You look back and you don't see, it was a real revolution. It's surreal. The good thing is that I didn't ask to take the jersey home after shooting.”

James wore the jersey during a memorable game where he scored 32 points, continuing to showcase his talent and power.

The sweater was an important part of his outfit during his junior season. The following year, James declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. His subsequent career has surpassed even the highest expectations, as he has become one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Now a star with the Los Angeles Lakers, James recently added another achievement to his storied career by winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As he prepares for his 22nd NBA season, his impact on the game continues to grow.

The sale of this jersey not only represents an important collectible but also serves as a tangible link to a turning point in basketball history. It captures the essence of LeBron James' rise from high school student to global sports icon. The upcoming auction offers fans and collectors a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of this pivotal moment in sports history, reflecting LeBron James' lasting influence on the game and culture of basketball.

As the auction day approaches, the excitement surrounding the sale of the jersey underscores its importance as a symbol of LeBron James' journey and the great respect he holds in the sports world. This sweater is more than just a piece of clothing; it's a testament to the incredible career of one of basketball's greatest players.