This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 4/15/2010.
James was born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio, and attended St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, where he became a starter during his freshman year for the Fighting Irish. He averaged 21 points and 6.2 rebounds, and led the team to a 23–1 record, en route to the Division III state title. In his sophomore year, James averaged 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.8 steals. He led the team to a 26–1 record and a Division III state title for the second straight season. He was the first sophomore to be named Ohio's "Mr. Basketball" and also became the first sophomore ever selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team. In James' junior year his stats improved again. He averaged 29.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 3.3 steals and was again named Mr. Basketball of Ohio. He also earned a spot on the All-USA First Team, and was named the 2001–2002 boys' basketball Gatorade National Player of the Year. It was at this time that his nickname "King James" became a household staple in Ohio. However, the St. Vincent–St. Mary basketball team did not defend its state title when increased enrollment forced the team to move up to the more challenging Division II (Ohio high school basketball has four divisions based on annual enrollment figures) and lost. James attempted to declare for the NBA draft after the season ended, petitioning for an adjustment to the NBA's draft eligibility rules, which at the time required prospective players to have at least completed high school. The petition was unsuccessful, but it ensured him an unprecedented level of nation-wide attention as he entered his senior year. Despite the distractions, the Irish won a third state title, with James averaging 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.4 steals on the season. James was named to the All-USA First Team for an unprecedented third time, and was selected as Mr. Basketball of Ohio for the third year in a row. He earned MVP honors at the McDonald's All-American Game, the EA Sports Roundball Classic, and the Jordan Capital Classic. James finished his high school career with 2,657 points, 892 rebounds and 523 assists. On the front left tail is the “Reebok” manufacturers tag with wash instructions. Attached are the size “52,” “LENGTH +4,” and “PLAYDRY” flag tags. On front is “McDONALD’S ALL AMERICAN” in yellow on blue tackle twill. On the middle of the front and on back is the player number “32” in the same tackle twill. Across the back is the player name “JAMES” in red tackle twill. On the front of the collar is the McDonalds “M” logo in red embroidery. On the back outside collar is the “USA Flag” patch. On the front right breast is the “REEBOK” embroidered logo. The jersey shows game-use and appears to have no alterations of any kind. We can not be sure how many jerseys LeBron wore in this game, but our consignor assures us that this was worn in the game that day. This lot comes with a letter from our consignor.