LeBron James' iconic ‘Chosen One’ high school basketball jersey sells for the highest value at the 'Legends in Motion' Auction
LeBron James has broken another record, but this time, it's at an auction. In the 'Legends in Motion' auction by Julien's Auctions in Hong Kong, James' high school jersey was sold for a staggering $1.3 million. That makes it the most expensive high school jersey ever sold at auction, per Julien's.
James wore this jersey of high school, St. Vincent-St. Mary, during his iconic first photo shoot with Sports Illustrated in 2002, where he was anointed "The Chosen One" by the magazine. He then wore the jersey in an actual game against Archbishop Hoban.
A limited-edition photo print of James wearing "The Chosen One" jersey signed by the photographer, Michael Le Brecht, also sold for $16,250.
LeBron James, who came straight from high school to the pros, is set to enter his 22nd NBA season. That will give him a share of the NBA record for most NBA seasons played, currently held by Vince Carter.
James is also set to make more history this season with his son Bronny James, who was the 55th pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. When he and Bronny step on the same court, it will be the first time a father-son duo plays together in the same NBA game.
Last season, the 39-year-old James played 71 games, scoring 25.7 points, dishing out 8.3 assists, grabbing 7.3 boards, and stealing the ball 1.3 times per game for the Lakers.
Other items sold alongside LeBron James' high school jersey at the auction
Apart from LeBron James' jersey, some other prestigious items were sold at the auction. A basketball signed by legendary NBA player Michael Jordan was also sold for $304,000. The ball was used in the music video for Michael Jackson's music video 'Jam,' and had the inscriptions "Love Michael Jackson" and "Best Wishes Michael Jordan."
Cristiano Ronaldo's 2018 UEFA Champions League final jersey was sold for $7,620 while Lionel Messi's jersey from a group stage match against Poland in the 2022 FIFA World Cup went for $2,275.
Apart from sports, other memorabilia sold included Bruce Lee's nunchaku which was used in the 1973 film 'Enter the Dragon' which went for $190,500. Furthermore, a fedora signed by Taylor Swift during the 2023 Eras Tour was sold for $22,750.