LeBron James

LeBron Raymone James Sr. was born on December 30, 1984, and currently plays professional basketball for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Referred to as "King James," he is widely acknowledged as one of the sport's greatest players, often drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan in discussions about the all-time best basketball player. James has participated in 10 NBA Finals, securing four NBA championships, including the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers, and earning two Olympic gold medals as part of the U.S. men's national team.


On an individual level, James holds the title of the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and stands fourth in career assists. He has clinched four Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, four Finals MVP Awards, and three All-Star Game MVP Awards, also being named the inaugural NBA Cup MVP. Boasting an extraordinary 20 All-Star appearances, he has been selected to the All-NBA Team 19 times, including 13 First Team selections, and the All-Defensive Team six times. Notably, he was twice a runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. James, recognized for his longevity, currently holds the distinction of being the oldest player in the NBA.


James' basketball journey began at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, where he showcased exceptional skills in scoring, passing, athleticism, and playmaking. As a prep-to-pro talent, he was the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. After leading the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007, he left in 2010 to join the Miami Heat, a decision unveiled in the controversial televised special titled "The Decision." James secured two NBA championships with the Heat in 2012 and 2013, earning MVP honors in both instances. He returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, clinching the NBA championship in 2016 against the Golden State Warriors, ending the Cleveland sports curse.


In 2018, James signed with the Lakers, winning the 2020 NBA championship and his fourth Finals MVP. A historic figure, he became the first NBA player to amass $1 billion in earnings while actively playing. On February 7, 2023, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league's all-time leading scorer.


Beyond the basketball court, James has achieved considerable wealth and fame through endorsement contracts, books, documentaries, and television commercials. Recognized as one of Time's 100 most influential people multiple times, he has won 20 ESPY Awards, hosted Saturday Night Live, and starred in the sports film "Space Jam: A New Legacy" (2021). As a part-owner of Liverpool F.C. since 2011, James also leads the LeBron James Family Foundation, contributing to the establishment of an elementary school, housing complex, retail plaza, and medical center in Akron.


In his early life, James faced challenges as his mother, Gloria Marie James, was 16 when he was born, and his father, Anthony McClelland, was not involved in his upbringing. The family struggled, moving through various neighborhoods in Akron. Recognizing the need for stability, Gloria allowed James to live with the family of Frank Walker, a local youth football coach who introduced him to basketball at the age of nine.


James commenced organized basketball in the fifth grade and played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars. The team, known as the "Fab Four," promised to attend high school together, ultimately choosing St. Vincent–St. Mary High School despite local controversy due to its predominantly white student body.


Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall during his freshman year, LeBron James made an immediate impact for the St. Vincent–St. Mary varsity basketball team. Averaging 21 points and 6 rebounds per game, he played a crucial role in the Fighting Irish's undefeated 27–0 season, securing the Division III state title and making them the sole boys high school team in Ohio to finish without a single defeat. As a sophomore, James continued to impress, averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 3.8 steals per game. The team finished the season 26–1, successfully defending their state champions title.


During home games, St. Vincent–St. Mary strategically played at the University of Akron's Rhodes Arena to accommodate the high demand for tickets from alumni, fans, and scouts. James received accolades for his outstanding play, being named Ohio Mr. Basketball and earning a spot on the USA Today All-USA First Team, a remarkable feat for a sophomore.
Entering his junior year in 2001, James, now 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), garnered national attention, with Slam magazine hailing him as possibly the best high school basketball player in America. He graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, a first for a high school basketball underclassman. Averaging 29 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 steals per game, James continued his stellar performance, earning him Ohio Mr. Basketball honors for the second consecutive year. Additionally, he became the first junior to be named male basketball Gatorade National Player of the Year.


Despite his achievements, St. Vincent–St. Mary concluded the season with a loss in the Division II championship game. Following the defeat, James sought to enter the 2002 NBA draft but faced resistance due to eligibility rules. He also coped with stress through marijuana use during this challenging time.


In his senior year, James and the Fighting Irish faced off against nationally ranked teams, gaining extensive exposure. His averages of 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 steals per game solidified his status as a high school basketball legend. James was named Ohio Mr. Basketball for the third consecutive year, secured a spot on the USA Today All-USA First Team for an unprecedented third time, and retained the Gatorade National Player of the Year title for the second year.


However, his senior year was not without controversy. James accepted a Hummer H2 as a gift for his 18th birthday, leading to an investigation by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Although cleared of any wrongdoing, he faced scrutiny for violating amateur bylaws. Another incident involved him accepting throwback jerseys, resulting in a suspension and forfeiture of a game. Despite these challenges, James returned to score a career-high 52 points and led St. Vincent–St. Mary to their third Division II championship in four years.

References

1.  "LeBron James Bio". NBA.com. January 1, 2021. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
2. Quinn, Sam (June 15, 2021). "2020–2021 All-NBA Teams: LeBron James makes cut for record 17th time; Bradley Beal among two first-time honorees". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
3. Singh, Sanjesh (June 15, 2021). "LeBron James selected to 2020–21 All-NBA Second Team". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
4.  "LeBron James Stats". Basketball Reference. Sports Reference. June 12, 2004. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
5. Daubs, Kyle (August 17, 2021). "LeBron James' Almost Perfect Season In 2013 Was Ruined By Marc Gasol". Fadeaway World. Archived from the original on August 17, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
6. Reynolds, Tim (October 20, 2023). "Inside the numbers: LeBron James is now the NBA's oldest player". NBA.com. Associated Press. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
7. "Ohio High School Junior LeBron James Is So Good That He's Already Being Mentioned as the Heir to Air Jordan". Sports Illustrated Vault | Si.com. February 18, 2002. Archived from the original on July 2, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.