NBA superstar LeBron James set another record, but this time at the auction. On Wednesday, LeBron’s high school jersey, famously worn during his 2002 “Chosen One” Sports Illustrated (SI) cover shoot, sold for a staggering $1.3 million at an auction in Hong Kong.
The jersey was sold at Julien Auctions’, ‘Legends in Motion.’ The event also featured memorabilia from iconic celebrities, such as Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Taylor Swift, and Bruce Lee. However, it was the Lakers star’s jersey that fetched the most money.
Notably, it was the third time in five years that LeBron James’ high-school jersey was auctioned, with its value increasing from $184,000 in 2019 to $512,000 in 2021 and now reaching $1.3 million.
James, then 17, wore the jersey for a Sports Illustrated (SI) cover shoot. Later that evening, he played with the same jersey for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and scored 32 points.
The iconic photoshoot was done by photographer LeBrecht, who first clicked James during the previous summer at the ABCD Camp.
James had a breakout season in his senior year at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Ohio, where he averaged an impressive 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
His dominant run in high school basketball led to his selection in the NBA, where he was picked by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.
The ‘Chosen One’ lived up to his title as he went on to become one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history.
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‘King’ James went on to become a four-time NBA champion, winning Finals MVP in all four of those championship victories.
In addition to being selected as an NBA All-Star for 20 consecutive years, James set several records – becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in 2023 and clinching Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2008, 2012, and 2024.
Entering his 22nd NBA season, James will now play alongside his elder son, Bronny, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in league history.
Credit: Phil Masturzo, USA TODAY NETWORK
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