lebron james biography article

LeBron James

LeBron James became an immediate star after skipping college to join the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. He led the Miami Heat to NBA titles in 2012 and 2013 and won another championship with Cleveland in 2016, before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.

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Who Is LeBron James?

LeBron James is an American basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers. James first garnered national attention as the top high school basketball player in the country. With his unique combination of size, athleticism and court vision, he became a four-time NBA MVP. After leading the Miami Heat to titles in 2012 and 2013, James returned to Cleveland and helped the franchise claim its first championship in 2016.

Early Life and High School Basketball Career

James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. At an early age, James showed a natural talent for basketball. He was recruited by St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to join their basketball team in 1999. Overall, James scored 2,657 points, 892 rebounds and 523 assists during his four years there.

As a freshman, James averaged 18 points per game. He helped the team to a Division III state title by scoring 25 points in the championship game. Word of his advanced basketball skills spread, and James received several honors for his performance.

As a high school sophomore, James was chosen for the USA Today All-USA First Team. He was the first sophomore ever selected for this award. His team also won the Division III state title for the second year in a row.

The following school year, James was named PARADE magazine's High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year. Following the end of his junior year, James was such a strong player that he contemplated going pro.

Deciding to finish his education, James had a tremendous senior year on the court. He averaged 31.6 points per game, helping his team clinch their third state title. The St. Vincent-St. Mary High School team also earned the top national ranking that year. James would soon emerge as one of the National Basketball Association's leading players.

With his impressive record, it was no surprise that James was the first player picked in the 2003 NBA Draft straight out of high school. The Cleveland Cavaliers signed the powerful young forward, and he proved to be a valuable addition to the then-struggling franchise. The team had ended the previous season in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland Cavaliers

During the 2003-04 season, James made history when he became the first member of the Cavalier franchise to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He also became the youngest player — at only 20 years old — to receive this honor.

James continued to excel professionally in the NBA the following season, upping his average points per game to 27.2. He made NBA history again in 2005 when he became the youngest player to score more than 50 points in one game.

In 2006, James helped his team defeat the Washington Wizards in the first round of playoff action. From there, the Cavaliers took on the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals. James scored an average of 26.6 per game in this postseason matchup, but it wasn't enough to secure victory for his team. While his team wasn't at the top of the rankings, James himself continued to receive special recognition for his abilities.

In 2006, James reached a new contract agreement with the Cavaliers. The team proved to be stronger competitors the following season, defeating Detroit to win the Eastern Conference. In the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, however, the Cavaliers lost their championship bid in four consecutive games.

During the 2007-08 season, James continued to help the Cavaliers improve their standing in the Eastern Conference. The team made it to the semifinals, where they were defeated by the Boston Celtics in seven games. In terms of individual performance, James had a stellar year, outperforming such rival players as Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson by scoring an average of 30 points per game, the highest average in the NBA regular season.

Early in the 2008-09 season, sports journalists and fans began talking about James' future in the sport. He had the option to become a free agent in 2010, and there was much discussion as to where James would end up. Some journalists identified the New York Knicks as a potential suitor for the rising player.

James made several references to his impending free-agent status, but he was sure to downplay the matter. "I am focused on the team that I am on right now and winning a championship ... I don't think about making a change at this point," James told reporters.

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Shortly after becoming a free agent, James announced that he would be joining the Miami Heat for the 2010-11 season. His fans in Cleveland were less than pleased, and many considered his departure a betrayal to his hometown.

Soon after James' announcement, Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert wrote an open letter declaring James' decision as "selfish," "heartless" and a "cowardly betrayal." Unfazed, James finished second in the league during his first season with the Heat, scoring 26.7 points per game.

The 2011-12 season saw major success for James and the Miami Heat. With his team's victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, the superstar forward finally earned his first title. In the clinching Game 5, James scored 26 points, and had 11 rebounds and 13 assists. "I made a difficult decision to leave Cleveland, but I understood what my future was about," James told FOX Sports following the game. "I knew we had a bright future [in Miami]."

During the 2012-13 season, James made NBA history yet again: On January 16, 2013, at age 28, he became the youngest player to score 20,000 points, succeeding Bryant of the Lakers — who accomplished this feat when he was 29 — and becoming only the 38th player in NBA history to achieve this distinction. James made a jump shot the final seconds of the game, bringing his scoring total 20,001 and leading the Heat to a 92-75 victory over the Warriors.

Success followed the Heat to the end of the 2012-13 season: Following a hard-fought, six-game series against the Indiana Pacers to win the Eastern Conference, Miami outlasted the San Antonio Spurs in seven games to win its second consecutive NBA championship.

At the culmination of the 2013-14 season, Miami returned to the NBA Finals to face off against the Spurs again, this time losing to San Antonio after five games.

Return to Cleveland Cavaliers

In July of 2014, after opting out of his contract with the Heat and considering other teams, James announced that he would be returning to the Cavaliers.

Hampered by back and knee problems, James missed 13 of 82 regular-season games in 2014-15. However, he was as dominant as ever when healthy, averaging 25.3 points and 7.4 assists per game. James led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals, becoming the first player in nearly 50 years to reach the championship round in five consecutive seasons. However, injuries to star teammates Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving damaged his hopes of claiming a third title, and the Cavaliers lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

Over the course of 2015-16, the Cavs overcame the distraction of a mid-season coaching change and breezed through the playoffs to earn a rematch with the Warriors, marking the sixth straight NBA Finals appearance for "King James." In perhaps the crowning achievement of his career, he led his team back from a 3-1 deficit, scoring 41 points in both Games 5 and 6, before recording a triple-double in Game 7 to give the Cavs their first championship in franchise history.

Voted Finals MVP, James said, "I came back to bring a championship to our city. I knew what I was capable of doing. I knew what I learned in the last couple years that I was gone, and I knew if I had to — when I came back — I knew I had the right ingredients and the right blueprint to help this franchise get back to a place that we've never been. That's what it was all about."

The following year, James again paced himself and took charge when necessary, driving the Cavs through the Eastern Conference to make an incredible seventh consecutive appearance in the NBA Finals. This time, with former MVP Kevin Durant added to the mix, the Warriors proved too formidable for James and his teammates, claiming the championship in five games.

For all his accomplishments, James achieved another first early in the 2017-18 NBA season: After yelling at a referee during a late November win over the Heat, he was ejected for the first time in 1,082 career games.

The superstar likely felt like yelling often during the course of a frustrating campaign, as an offseason trade that sent Irving to Boston for Isaiah Thomas failed to bear fruit and forced the Cavs to make another major deal before the All-Star break.

After averaging a career-best 9.1 assists in the regular season, James had to dig deep just to get the team out of the first round of the playoffs, delivering a brilliant 45-point effort to sink the Pacers in Game 7. The Cavs were again pushed to the limit two rounds later by the scrappy Celtics, but James scored 81 points over the last two games to pull out the series win and make his eighth straight NBA Finals appearance.

Game 1 of the rematch against Golden State went down to the wire, thanks to James's 51-point outburst, but Cleveland guard J.R. Smith inexplicably dribbled out the clock with the game tied in regulation, before the Warriors pulled away for the win in overtime. That represented the Cavs' best chance to get a leg up on their opponents, as the Warriors won the next three games handily to claim their third title in four years.

Afterward, with questions swirling about his future with the team, James revealed that he had played out the series with a broken right hand after punching a whiteboard in the aftermath of the Game 1 loss.

Los Angeles Lakers

On July 1, 2018, James announced that he was moving on to the next chapter of his career by signing a 4-year, $153.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, a storied franchise that counted Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson among its all-time greats.

The good vibes had worn off by midseason, as the Lakers sputtered through a 17-game stretch without their injured star.

With the team still struggling in late February 2019, James accused his teammates of losing focus over trade rumors, saying, "If you're still allowing distractions to affect the way you play, this is the wrong franchise to be a part of and you should just come in and be like, 'Listen, I can't do this.'"

When the Lakers were officially eliminated from playoff contention in March 2019, it snapped James' personal marks of 13 consecutive postseasons and eight straight NBA Finals appearances. Capping a difficult first season in Los Angeles, the Lakers announced that their star would miss the final six games because of his lingering groin injury.

Things got off to a much better start the following season, thanks in large part to the addition of athletic big man Anthony Davis to the roster. Spearheading the Lakers' rise to the top of the standings was James, who became the first player to record a triple-double against all 30 NBA teams in November 2019.

The following month, James added another accolade to his ever-growing list by earning AP Male Athlete of the Decade honors.

Championships and Rings

James participated in eight straight NBA championships from the 2010-11 season to the 2018-19 season. During that time, he captured three championship rings: twice with the Heat (2011-12 and 2012-13) and once with the Cavaliers (2015-16).

All-Star Games and MVPs

James was selected for the NBA All-Star Game for the first time in 2005 and would go on to earn a spot in the annual showcase in each of the next 15 seasons.

In January 2018, the NBA announced that James and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry had topped the ballots and would serve as captains for that year's All-Star Game.

In 2006, James was named the Most Valuable Player in the NBA All-Star Game, a feat he would repeat in 2008 and 2018. James has also been named NBA MVP four times, in seasons 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Stats and Points

In January 2018, at age 33, James surpassed Bryant as the youngest player to accumulate 30,000 career points and became the seventh player in NBA history to achieve that milestone. The feat put him just more than 8,000 points shy of Abdul-Jabbar's all-time record of 38,387 points.

In 2019, James surpassed Jordan's career tally of 32,292 points to move into fourth place on the all-time list. In January 2020, he eclipsed Bryant's total of 33,643 points to slide into third place, one night before his predecessor's shocking death in a helicopter accident.

After 16 NBA seasons, James' stats included regular season per-game averages of:

• 27.2 points
• 38.6 minutes
• 0.736 free-throw percentage
• 0.343 3-point field-goal percentage
• 0.504 field-goal percentage
• 1.2 offensive rebounds
• 6.2 defensive rebounds
• 7.2 assists
• 3.5 turnovers

Olympic Games

James competed on the U.S. Olympic basketball team during three Summer Olympic Games, in 2004, 2008 and 2012. James made his Olympic debut at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece. He and his teammates won bronze medals after defeating Lithuania. Argentina took home the gold after beating Italy in the finals.

In the summer of 2008, James traveled to Beijing, China, to play with the likes of Bryant, Jason Kidd and Dwyane Wade on the U.S. Olympic basketball team. This time around the U.S. team brought home the gold after defeating Spain in the final round.

James competed at his third Olympic Games in 2012, at the Summer Olympics in London, along with Durant, Bryant, Carmelo Anthony and several other top players. The U.S. basketball team took the gold medal — James' second consecutive Olympic gold.

Contract With Nike

In 2003, James signed several endorsement deals, including a deal with Nike for $90 million that could net him over $1 billion over his lifetime.

Other endorsements include Intel, Verizon, Coca-Cola, Beats by Dre and Kia Motors.

Salary and Earnings

In the 2016-17 season, James collected a $31 million salary, making him the third player to earn that much after Jordan and Bryant. The NBA superstar went on to sign a four-year, $153.3 million contract with the Lakers in July 2018. He’s also a co-owner of the production company SpringHill Entertainment and has invested in Blaze Pizza.

In February 2019, Forbes magazine's estimated James’ yearly earnings at $88.7 million, making him the NBA's highest-earning player for the fifth year in a row.

Wife and Kids

On January 1, 2012, James proposed to his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson. The couple married in a private ceremony with about 200 guests in San Diego on September 14, 2013.

James and Brinson have two sons and one daughter together. In October 2004, James welcomed his first son LeBron Jr. On June 14, 2007, Brinson gave birth to their second son, Bryce Maximus James. Their third child, daughter Zhuri James, was born on October 22, 2014.

LeBron James Family Foundation

Outside of the NBA, James has worked to help others. He established the LeBron James Family Foundation in 2004, along his mother Gloria, to help out children and single-parent families in need.

Among its many programs, the organization builds playgrounds in economically disadvantaged areas and hosts an annual bike-a-thon.

Outspoken Posts on Social Media

One of the world's most recognizable athletes, James hasn't been shy about expressing his views on social media. Among other issues, he displayed his support for Trayvon Martin after the teen's death in 2012, and he has clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump .

James waded into delicate territory in October 2019, after Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey posted a tweet in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters that ignited a Chinese media boycott of NBA preseason games in the country. James said he believed Morey was "misinformed" about the situation, although he later tweeted that he mainly took issue with the executive posting comments that could have exposed traveling players to danger.

The basketball superstar has also shown a playful side on social media, such as when he posted a picture of cartoon character Arthur clenching his first during the Cavaliers' slow start to the 2017-18 season.

'Space Jam 2'

James starred in Space Jam 2 , the 2021 sequel to the 1996 hit starring Jordan. "The Space Jam collaboration is so much more than just me and the Looney Tunes getting together and doing this movie,” James told The Hollywood Reporter .

“It's so much bigger. I'd just love for kids to understand how empowered they can feel and how empowered they can be if they don't just give up on their dreams."

QUICK FACTS

• Name: James
• Birth Year: 1984
• Birth date: December 30, 1984
• Birth State: Ohio
• Birth City: Akron
• Birth Country: United States
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: LeBron James became an immediate star after skipping college to join the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. He led the Miami Heat to NBA titles in 2012 and 2013 and won another championship with Cleveland in 2016, before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
• Astrological Sign: Capricorn
• St. Vincent-St. Mary High School
• Interesting Facts
• During the 2003-04 season, LeBron James became the first member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the youngest NBA player in history to recieve the Rookie of the Year Award.
• LeBron James was one of only three rookies to average 20 points per game during the 2003-04 season. The other rookies to accomplish the feat were Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson.

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• I made a difficult decision to leave Cleveland but I understood what my future was about ... I knew we had a bright future [in Miami].
• I'm never in a defer mentality. I'm in attack mode. No matter how many weapons we have on the court, I'm still going to play my game.
• Sports carried me away from being in a gang, or being associated with drugs. Sports was my way out.
• It's not about the money. It's all about winning for me.
• I never feel sad [about not going to college]. But I do wish I could have been part of March Madness.
• Basketball is my life.
• We all prepare differently, but there's just one basketball on that court.
• We knew it wasn't going to be easy. We didn't want it to be easy. A lot of teams have won golds easy. We didn't want it that way.
• I don't judge my career by saying I want to be better than this person or that person at the end of my career because it's not possible. The only person on and off the court to satisfy is me.
• LeBron stays humble just by being LeBron.
• Why would you think he's coming back? People move from Cleveland to Miami every [expletive] day. They don't move from Miami to Cleveland.

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LeBron James is an American professional basketball player who is widely considered one of the greatest all-around basketball players of all time. James has won four National Basketball Association championships with three different teams, and he has been named NBA MVP four times. In 2023 he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and in 2024 he became the first NBA player to score 40,000 points. James has also won gold medals at the Olympics , in 2008 and 2012 .

When did LeBron James start playing basketball?

LeBron James, who was born in 1984 in Akron , Ohio, became a locally known basketball prodigy while in elementary school. James led Akron’s St. Vincent–St. Mary High School to three state championships in four years. He was named Ohio’s Mr. Basketball—the high-school player of the year—three times during 2001–03.

LeBron James was selected first overall in the 2003 National Basketball Association draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers . He played for the Cavaliers through the end of the 2009–10 season. He then signed with the Miami Heat but returned to the Cavaliers in 2014. James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. He won NBA championships with all three teams.

How many NBA championships has LeBron James won?

LeBron James has won four National Basketball Association championships. He won his first two championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013. He won a third championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. His fourth championship came with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

Recent News

LeBron James (born December 30, 1984, Akron , Ohio , U.S.) is an American professional basketball player who is widely considered one of the greatest all-around players of all time and who won National Basketball Association (NBA) championships with the Miami Heat (2012 and 2013), the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), and the Los Angeles Lakers (2020). In 2023 he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, breaking the record (38,387) previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar . His dominance continued when in 2024, he recorded his 40,000 point scored.

Find out where he ranks in our list of the greatest basketball players .

A locally known basketball prodigy since elementary school, James was named Ohio’s Mr. Basketball (high-school player of the year) three times while leading Akron’s St. Vincent–St. Mary High School to three Ohio state championships in his four years on the team. He became a national media sensation in his junior year after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated , where he was billed by the magazine as “The Chosen One.” James was the consensus national high-school player of the year in his senior season , and he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall selection of the 2003 NBA draft. Additionally, he signed an unprecedented $90 million endorsement contract with the Nike shoe company before he ever played a professional game.

Despite the pressures brought on by these singular circumstances, James led the Cavaliers in scoring, steals, and minutes played over the course of the 2003–04 season, winning the league’s Rookie of the Year award in the process. A 6-foot 8-inch (2.03-metre) “point forward” who was as adept at bringing the ball down the court as at playing near the basket, James presented a unique challenge for opposing teams; his unmatched athleticism and well-muscled body would not have been out of place in the National Football League .

His game progressed over the following years. He was voted one of the starting forwards on the Eastern Conference All-Star team during his second season, and in his third season he led the Cavaliers to their first playoff berth in nine years. These accomplishments were exceeded during the 2006–07 season, when James guided Cleveland to the franchise’s first berth in the NBA finals. After the Cavaliers upset the favoured Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals, the Cavaliers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA finals, but James’s impressive postseason play led many observers to place him among the very best players in the league. He led the NBA in scoring during the 2007–08 season and earned first team All-NBA honours, but the Cavaliers lost to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in a dramatic seven-game series in the Eastern Conference semifinals. James piloted the Cavaliers to a team-record 66 wins during the 2008–09 season, which helped to earn him the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The following season James averaged nearly 30 points per game as he was again named MVP.

At the end of the 2009–10 season, James became arguably the most sought-after free agent in NBA history when his contract with the Cavaliers expired, and he began a prolonged courtship process with a number of teams that had in some cases been planning for his free agency for over two years. In an unprecedented hour-long television special, criticized by many for its undue grandiosity, James announced that he was signing with the Heat. He helped Miami reach the NBA finals in his first year with the team, but the Heat lost the championship to the Dallas Mavericks . In the 2011–12 season James averaged 27.1 points per game and won his third MVP award while helping Miami advance to its second consecutive NBA finals appearance. Backed by his stellar play—James was named the finals MVP—the Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the championship.

He had arguably his greatest individual season in 2012–13, as he averaged 26.8 points, 7.3 assists, and a career-high 8.0 rebounds per game while posting a .565 field-goal percentage, a remarkable rate of made shots for someone who so frequently played away from the basket. James also helped Miami win 27 consecutive games that season (the second longest such streak in NBA history), and he was rewarded with his fourth league MVP award. In the following postseason, the Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game series to win the NBA championship, and James was again named the finals MVP. He continued his stellar play in the following season, even increasing his shooting percentage by .002, and he again led the Heat to an appearance in the NBA finals. However, Miami lost that rematch with the Spurs in a five-game series.

After that finals loss, James opted out of his contract with the Heat, leaving an aging Miami roster, and—after a week of frenzied speculation among fans and media—he decided to return to Cleveland. Although his 25.3 points per game was James’s lowest scoring average since his rookie season, he nevertheless guided a young and inexperienced Cavaliers roster to the second best record in the Eastern Conference in 2014–15. In the following postseason he led an injury-laden Cleveland team to just two playoff losses en route to a berth in the NBA finals. There James had one of the greatest individual performances in finals history, averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game while leading the undermanned Cavaliers to the franchise’s first two finals victories before ultimately losing a six-game series to the Golden State Warriors .

James had another strong regular season in 2015–16 but, once again, truly shined in the playoffs. He led the Cavaliers to a rematch against the Warriors, who had set a league record with 73 wins during the regular season, in the NBA finals. There the Cavaliers became the first team to come back from a 3–1 finals deficit to capture the first title in franchise history and end a 52-year title drought for Cleveland professional sports teams. James averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game in the finals—becoming the first person to lead all five statistical categories for players on both teams in the finals—and was unanimously named finals MVP.

In 2016–17 James had arguably his best regular season by setting career highs with averages of 8.7 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game while still scoring 26.4 points per game. He sustained his excellence in the Eastern Conference playoffs, scoring 32.5 points per game (which included his 5,988th career postseason point, breaking Michael Jordan ’s all-time NBA playoff scoring record) while leading the Cavaliers to a third consecutive match-up against the Warriors in the NBA finals. There Cleveland could not overcome the team James referred to as a “juggernaut,” losing to the Warriors in five games despite James becoming the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double over the course of the finals (with 33.6 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists per game).

In 2017–18 he played a full 82-game regular season for the first time in his career and led the NBA in minutes played per game (36.9) while averaging 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a new career-high 9.1 assists per game. James again excelled in the following playoffs, scoring more than 40 points seven times in the team’s 18 Eastern Conference postseason games (which included two seven-game series) to lead the Cavaliers to their fourth straight NBA finals series against the Warriors. He continued his strong individual play in the finals, but it was not enough to overcome Golden State’s overwhelming talent advantage, and the Warriors swept the series.

In the following off-season, James, a free agent, joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He continued to play at a high level, averaging 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, but he missed significant playing time because of an injury (a strained groin) for the first time in his career. The Lakers struggled in his absence and ultimately finished the 2018–19 season with a 37–45 record, ending James’s personal playoff streak at 13 seasons. The following season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic , which caused a four-month suspension. Play resumed in July 2020 with a shortened schedule, and the Lakers ultimately defeated the Miami Heat to claim the franchise’s 17th NBA title. James’s dominating performance—he averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game—earned him his fourth finals MVP award.

In addition to his achievements in the NBA, James was a member of the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball teams that won the bronze medal at the 2004 Games, the gold medal at the 2008 Games , and the gold at the 2012 Games . Off the court, James occasionally acted, notably appearing as himself in Judd Apatow ’s comedy Trainwreck (2015). In 2021 he appeared in the live-action/animated Space Jam: A New Legacy .

James also published a memoir, Shooting Stars (2009; cowritten with Buzz Bissinger), that chronicles his years as a high-school standout .

NBA History: LeBron James Biography, Championships, Stats, & Facts

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Staff Writer

LeBron James, the basketball luminary, is again dazzling fans and critics alike in the 2024 season with his extraordinary prowess and leadership on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers. His performances reinforce his status in the pantheon of basketball greats and underscore his relentless pursuit of excellence.

Beyond the hardwood, LeBron’s leadership influence is indispensable to the Lakers’ locker room, where he plays a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring his teammates. As the 2024 playoffs draw near, the spotlight intensifies on LeBron’s ability to steer his team through the challenges ahead. His career is a testament to what it means to embody excellence, commitment, and tenacity in the face of the NBA’s rigorous demands. Continue as we delve into the ongoing saga of LeBron’s illustrious career and the Lakers’ journey in the season.

LeBron James Early Life

Akron, Ohio, begins the story of LeBron James, born on December 30, 1984. Demonstrating a natural aptitude for basketball from an early age, James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where his exceptional talent on the court began to draw nationwide attention. Throughout his high school career, James accumulated impressive wins and personal achievements, bolstered by the unwavering support of his mother, Gloria James, and his dedicated coaches. This period in Akron would eventually serve as the bedrock for his future successes in professional basketball.

Professional Career Beginnings

In a bold move that would set the stage for a legendary NBA career, LeBron James leaped professional basketball directly after high school, foregoing the college basketball circuit. Selected as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft, James quickly made his mark by securing the Rookie of the Year award. His initial tenure with the Cavaliers was marked by record-setting performances and significant team achievements, heralding the rise of one of the most illustrious figures in NBA history.

Signing with the Los Angeles Lakers

In a monumental shift in his illustrious career, LeBron James made headlines in 2018 by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. His tenure with the Lakers has been nothing short of spectacular, culminating in an NBA championship in 2020 that further cemented his extraordinary legacy. LeBron’s profound influence on the Lakers is unmistakable, leading the team in scoring, playmaking, and playoff performance. His presence has underscored the transformative impact a single player can have on a team’s fortunes, particularly in pivotal moments.

James Playstyle: A Paradigm of Versatility

LeBron James’ approach to the game is distinctively versatile, blending raw power, strategic insight, and adaptability on the court. His ability to score through various methods, defend multiple positions, and possess a deep understanding of basketball dynamics sets him apart. LeBron’s physical attributes, notably his large hands and strength, enable him to dominate ball control and scoring opportunities. This unique playstyle has not only defined his career but also set a benchmark for aspiring players, showcasing the power of adaptability in a player’s arsenal.

Career Achievements and Legacy

Throughout his career, LeBron James’ statistics have solidified his standing among the NBA’s all-time greats. His comprehensive skill set is evident beyond scoring, encompassing assists, rebounds, and defensive capabilities. LeBron consistently elevates his game in critical situations, from regular-season matchups to the high stakes of NBA Finals appearances. His numerous MVP awards, finals records, and leadership in guiding his teams to championships illuminate an unmatched career trajectory. LeBron’s journey from a highly touted rookie to a pivotal force for the Los Angeles Lakers encapsulates his unwavering commitment and contribution to the sport.

Player Prop Betting Spotlight: LeBron James

LeBron James stands as a towering figure in the realm of sports betting. Enthusiasts frequently place wagers on his game-by-game performance, focusing on metrics such as points scored, rebounds secured, and assists distributed. Beyond individual matchups, bets also extend to his potential to achieve career milestones or clinch prestigious awards. The fluctuating odds associated with LeBron’s performances testify to his significant impact on basketball. Speculative bets might cover many outcomes, from hitting a specific number of three-pointers in a game to achieving a triple-double or even capturing another MVP title. According to PhilippinesCasinos.ph , given LeBron’s exceptional abilities, he consistently draws attention in the sports betting world, making every one of his games a focal point for betting enthusiasts.

A Legacy of Triumphs and Contributions

Significant achievements and championship victories distinguish LeBron James’s tenure in the NBA. His debut in the NBA Finals in 2007 heralded the beginning of an exceptional career. Throughout his journey, LeBron has secured four NBA championships, underlining his crucial influence across every team he’s been part of, particularly in vital playoff moments with the Lakers. His record in the NBA Finals reflects his prowess and ability to excel under pressure. Notably, his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighted by the 2020 NBA championship win, remains a standout chapter in his decorated career. As we progress through 2024, LeBron continues adding to his scoring legacy, affirming his place among basketball’s elite scorers.

Financial Milestones and Beyond

In the 2023-24 season, LeBron James’s earnings reached $47,607,350, positioning him as one of the league’s top earners. With an option for a $51,415,938 salary in the 2024-25 season, LeBron’s financial influence mirrors the immense value of his talent and market appeal. Beyond his NBA earnings, LeBron’s endorsements, entrepreneurial ventures, and entertainment projects significantly enhance his net worth, showcasing a successful blend of athletic brilliance and savvy business acumen.

Beyond the Court: James’ Wider Impact

LeBron James’s influence extends well beyond the boundaries of basketball. His engagement in social justice, educational initiatives through the I PROMISE School , and ventures in the entertainment sector with his production company illustrate his commitment to leveraging his platform for societal benefit. His philanthropic efforts and advocacy position him as a paradigm of how athletes can use their visibility to foster social change and inspire future generations.

Personal Endeavors and Family Life

Away from the limelight, LeBron James cherishes his role as a family man, married to his high school love, Savannah, and a father to their three children. LeBron’s personal life, often shared with the public, emphasizes the value he places on family, remaining a steadfast priority amidst his bustling professional and business pursuits. His life off the court is a testament to the principles of loyalty, love, and the essence of a nurturing family foundation.

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LeBron JAMES

When all is said and done, LeBron James will be regarded as one of the greatest NBA and basketball players of all time. The debate on whether he is the best has raged on among basketball fans, with arguments that could sway in either direction.

Born in Akron, Ohio, LeBron Raymone James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in his hometown. There, he led his team to multiple state championships and earned the title of National Player of the Year during his senior year.

LeBron James' NBA Debut: A Phenom Takes Center Stage in Cleveland

Following his illustrious high school career, James was selected as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wearing the iconic 23 jersey, he soon claimed the Rookie of the Year award after his first full season and represented the USA, winning a bronze medal during his debut Olympic Games in Athens in the summer of 2004.

The 6-ft-9-inch (2.06m) athlete rapidly established himself as one of the premier players in the NBA after his initial Olympic appearance. During an impressive seven-season stint with the Cavaliers (with an average of 78 games/season), the small forward amassed numerous individual accolades, including an NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, although the coveted championship eluded him.

LeBron James: A 20-Year NBA Legacy and Ascension to All-Time Leading Scorer

He would later achieve that elusive feat after his highly publicised decision to join the Miami Heat in 2010, an announcement made through the infamous "The Decision" TV show. James went on to win two NBA championships and earned two more NBA MVP awards during his four-year tenure with the Heat.

LeBron's list of achievements continued internationally as he led the USA team to a gold medal in the Beijing 2008 Olympics before repeating the feat at the London 2012 Games.

In 2016, he made a triumphant return to the Cavaliers , where he played a pivotal role in securing the franchise's first championship in its history. James then signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent in 2018 and won the championship in his third season, marking his fourth NBA title.

The father of three achieved another milestone in February 2023 when he surpassed the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38,387 total points to become the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. He now has 38,652 regular season points after the 2022/23 season, his 20th in the NBA .

LeBron James is renowned not only for his basketball prowess but also for his philanthropic efforts and activism. He founded the LeBron James Family Foundation, dedicated to various charitable initiatives, particularly in the realms of education and youth programs.

As his illustrious career approaches its twilight years, LeBron, who turned 39 in December 2023, may participate in the 2024 Paris Games, potentially marking his "last dance" in the Olympic world and his first appearance since 2012.

You can’t be afraid to fail. It’s the only way you succeed. You’re not gonna succeed all the time and I know that.

USA Basketball at Paris 2024 Olympics: Which NBA players will be on the team?

Lebron james: shaping a legacy in his 21st season, lebron james: a definitive look at king james' career stats, records, awards and medals, lebron james replays, olympic results.

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LeBron James

• Los Angeles Lakers
• Small Forward
• HT/WT 6' 9", 250 lbs
• Birthdate 12/30/1984 (39)
• Draft Info 2003: Rd 1, Pk 1 (CLE)
• Status Active
• Experience 20th Season

Career History

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LeBron James Biography Facts, Childhood & Personal Life

LeBron James, popularly known by his nickname ‘King James’ is an American professional basketball player.

LeBron, who is often considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, made his National Basketball Association (NBA) début in 2003 and became a star right after skipping college to join Cleveland Cavaliers.

He now plays in the NBA for Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron is generally considered the “face of NBA” and the best basketball player globally.

This article on LeBron James’ biography facts, childhood, and personal life brings you a notable account from his early life to date.

Other highlights include his NBA/Basketball career, achievements and awards, famous quotes plus other on-screen and off-screen facts about his life.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames)

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Table of Contents

LeBron James Biography Facts & Profile

LeBron James Childhood & Early Life

LeBron Raymond James was born on the 30th of December, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, the United States, to his mother, Gloria Marie James, and father, Anthony McClelland.

Gloria had him at the age of 16.

Anthony was an ex-convict with countless criminal records and, as such, was not interested and involved in their life.

Gloria was left with no other choice but struggled and raised James on her own.

When she realized that it would be better for her son to grow in a stable home, she let him live with Frank Walker and his family.

LeBron, who has always enjoyed the game of basketball since childhood, was, at the age of nine, introduced to an organized basketball game by Frank.

He played for Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball.

LeBron and his friends who led the team to enjoy success at both local and national level stirred controversy when they chose to attend St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, mainly a white private school instead of their local public school.

LeBron James showcased a natural talent for the game of basketball and was then recruited in 1999 by St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to join their basketball team.

During his senior year, he was named Ohio Mr. Basketball and was selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team for two consecutive years.

He was also the first Junior to be named Gatorade National Player of the Year in boys’ basketball.

LeBron James Basketball Career

Cleveland cavaliers (2003–2010).

James was the player to make the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft due to his outstanding statistics.

He played for the Cavaliers from 2003–2010.

James proved himself to be a valuable addition to his hometown team, and at the end of his first regular season, he was named the ‘NBA Rookie of the Year’.

He was the first Cavalier to receive this award finishing with an average of 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

James was also the youngest player at the age of 20 to receive this award.

These accomplishments undoubtedly placed him in the same class as  Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson .

In 2005, James made history when he became the youngest player ever to score more than 50 points in a game.

James maintained an outstanding performance during the 2007–2008 season, scoring an average of 30 points per game.

This placed him ahead of rival star players such as  Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.

On July 1, 2010, James became a free agent.

Miami Heat (2010–2014)

On July 8, 2010, James announced that he would sign with Miami Heat for the 2010–2011 season.

His announcement drew intense criticisms from fans and sports segments.

Many considered his decision a betrayal to his hometown and team.

Shortly after he departed from the Cavaliers, owner Dan Gilbert wrote an open letter aggressively denouncing James’ decision.

As a result of his actions, he gained a reputation as one of America’s most disliked athletes at the time.

Unperturbed with these happenings, James finished second during his first season in the league with the Heat, scoring an average of 26.7 points per game.

During the 2011–2012 season, James and his team had a major breakthrough.

The NBA star finally earned his first title when the Heat defeated Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists.

At 28 years old, King James made NBA history when he became the youngest player to score 20,000 points, coming after Kobe Bryant of the Lakers, who achieved this at 29.

He became the 38th player in the history of the NBA to meet this feat.

The Heat saw yet another success during the 2012–2013 season, winning its second NBA championship consecutively.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2014–2018)

At the end of his contract with the Heat, James announced in July 2014 that he would be returning to his hometown team, Cleveland Cavaliers.

Precisely on July 12, 2014, he officially signed with the Cavaliers.

James, who was hampered by a left knee and lower back injuries, missed 13 out of 82 season games in the 2014–2015 season.

However, he dominated with an average of 25.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.

James and his team got to the NBA Finals, making him the first player in about 50 years to reach the championship in five seasons consecutively.

Due to his teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, his hopes of claiming a third title were impaired due to injuries suffered by his teammates.

During the 2015–2016 season, James led his team to win the city’s first professional sports title in 52 years, breaking the Cleveland Sports Curse.

The Cavaliers made history when they became the first team to come back from a 3–1 series shortfall in the NBA Finals.

His outstanding performance led him to be voted the Finals MVP.

During the 2017–2018 NBA season, James was sent out for the first time in his 1,082 career appearances for yelling at a referee.

Los Angeles Lakers (2018–present)

On June 29, 2018, King James terminated his contract with the Cavaliers and became a free agent.

On July 1, he announced his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, a process which was completed on July 9.

Public reactions this time around to his announcement was more approving, considering the controversies that surrounded his first departure from the Cavaliers in 2010.

In the 2019–2020 NBA season, James won his fourth NBA championship and also the fourth NBA Finals MVP Award.

Lakers defeated Miami Heat in game six to clinch the championship.

James became the oldest player in the league to win the award the age of 35, and also, the only player in the NBA to win the award with three different teams.

Olympics (2004, 2008 & 20012)

LeBron James Olympic début was in the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece, with the U.S. Olympic basketball team.

James and his team defeated Lithuania and won bronze medals.

During the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, James and his U.S. team defeated Spain in the finals and won gold medals.

The team included star players like Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and Jason Kidd.

James won his second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

The team included star players like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony.

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LeBron James Personal Life

Wife & children.

James married his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson on September 14, 2013, in San Diego, California.

Together, they have three children:

• LeBron James Jr. (son, born on October 2004)
• Bryce Maximus James (son, born on June 14, 2007)
• Zhuri Nova James (daughter, born on October 22, 2014)

Other Facts & Trivia

In 2014, James was named the most powerful athlete in the world by Forbes.

Apple bought Beats Electronics for $3 billion in June 2014.

James, who owned a very small stake in the venture, reportedly netted around $30 million in stocks and cash.

On January 23, 2018, at the age of 33, LeBron James became the youngest player to score 30,000 points in NBA history.

He is the seventh player to meet this feat in NBA history.

The other six players who have achieved topped 30,000 points are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant , Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan , and Dirk Nowitzki.

James is a known activist.

He runs a non-profit organization known as The Lebron James Family Foundation.

The foundation, which is based in Akron, helps children in his hometown area.

In July 2018, his foundation teamed up with the Akron Public Schools to start an elementary school that supports children at-risk.

James has a half brother named Aaron McClelland Gamble.

They are both sons of Anthony McClelland.

Anthony also abandoned Aaron with his mother just from childhood, just like he did with LeBron’s mother.

LeBron James Highlights, Achievements & Awards

• 4-times NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
• 4-times NBA Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
• 4-times NBA Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
• 16-times NBA All-Star (2005–2020)
• 3-times NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008, 2018)
• 13-times All-NBA First Team (2006, 2008–2018, 2020)
• 2-times All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2007)
• All-NBA Third Team (2019)
• 5-times NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2013)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
• NBA scoring champion (2008)
• NBA assists leader (2020)
• J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2017)
• 3-times AP Athlete of the Year (2013, 2016, 2018)
• 3-times Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2012, 2016, 2020)
• Time  Athlete of the Year (2020)
• USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2012)
• 2-times Mr. Basketball USA (2002, 2003)
• Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2003)
• McDonald’s All-American Game MVP (2003)
• 2-times Gatorade Player of the Year (2002, 2003)
• 2-times First-team  Parade  All-American (2002, 2003)
• 3-times Ohio Mr. Basketball (2001–2003)

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LeBron James Famous Quotes

“Sports carried me away from being in a gang, or being associated with drugs. Sports was my way out.” — LeBron James

“I’m never in a defer mentality. I’m in attack mode. No matter how many weapons we have on the court, I’m still going to play my game.” — LeBron James

“You can’t be afraid to fail. It’s the only way you succeed – you’re not gonna succeed all the time, and I know that.” — LeBron James

“We all prepare differently, but there’s just one basketball on that court.” — LeBron James

“I don’t judge my career by saying I want to be better than this person or that person at the end of my career because it’s not possible. The only person on and off the court to satisfy is me.” — LeBron James

“Warren Buffet told me once and he said always follow your gut. When you have that gut feeling, you have to go with don’t go back on it.” — LeBron James

See More: Biography Facts, Childhood, Career & Personal Life of Famous Basketball Players

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LeBron James Biography

December 30, 1984 • Akron, Ohio

Basketball player

Before LeBron James had completed his sophomore year of high school, basketball scouts were discussing his chances of playing for the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before playing his first regulation game for the NBA, James had signed deals with Nike and other corporations for multimillion-dollar product endorsements. Before he completed his rookie season in the NBA, sportswriters were discussing his chances of joining the most elite players in history in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Comparisons to NBA superstar Michael Jordan (1963–) became common, and some sportswriters began calling James "The Chosen One," indicating the hope that the rookie phenomenon would revive interest in the NBA that had declined since Jordan's retirement. LeBron James, by age eighteen, knew a thing or two about dealing with pressure. James's ability to cope with that pressure has proven to be a critical factor in his success. Sportswriters and his coaches agreed that James has shown uncommon maturity for a player his age, handling his newfound fame and the extraordinary expectations of others with grace.

During 2003, prior to his graduation from high school, James declared himself eligible for the NBA draft, the annual process by which professional basketball teams select new players to join them for the upcoming season. The Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the worst teams in the NBA, had the privilege of the number-one draft pick. The Cavs chose James, with the obvious expectation that this eighteen-year-old would lead the team to greatness. While James's first season with the Cavs did not exactly propel them to a championship, he did help his team win twice the number of games as they had the year before, and at the end of the 2003–04 season, James was named Rookie of the Year.

A team player

Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1984, James is the only child of Gloria James, who gave birth to him when she was just sixteen years old. Gloria struggled to provide for James during his childhood. When James was about five years old, he and his mother moved seven times in a year. For a couple of years during elementary school, James lived with a foster family. Gloria's longtime boyfriend, Eddie Jackson, has acted as a father figure for James, but he was not always around during James's youth, spending several years in prison for selling drugs and, later, for fraud. Regardless of any troubles they may have had, however, James and his mother have a close and supportive relationship. He told Jack McCallum of Sports Illustrated: "My mother is my everything. Always has been. Always will be."

"I don't want to be a cocky rookie coming in trying to lead right off the bat.... If there's one message I want to get to my teammates it's that I'll be there for them, do whatever they think I need to do."

Taller and more athletic than most other kids his age, James got hooked on basketball early in childhood. Dru Joyce II, who coached James for many of his early years, recalled in an article for the Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service that, while playing in a summer league during elementary school, James was an aggressive offensive player who "really liked to shoot the ball—a lot." Joyce remembered advice he gave James at the time: "I started telling LeBron about passing the ball, how great players make their teammates better. I talked about getting his shots in the flow of the game." Joyce assumed that he would have to repeat this advice many times, reminding the eleven-year-old to be a team player, but he was mistaken. James absorbed every word his coach said and immediately changed his playing style. "That was the last time I ever had to talk about LeBron shooting too much," Joyce recollected.

Another Rising Young Star: Carmelo Anthony

For the 2003 draft, the hype surrounding LeBron James nearly eclipsed another young basketball phenomenon: Carmelo Anthony (1984–). The number-three draft pick with just one year of college basketball under his belt, Anthony would have attracted even more attention than he did, had he not been drafted at the same time as James. His one year of college ball, playing for Syracuse University, had resulted in a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship for Syracuse, with Anthony named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, the NCAA championship series.

Anthony was drafted by the Denver Nuggets, a team that joined the Cleveland Cavaliers at the bottom of the NBA rankings. Expectations for Anthony, like those for James, were extremely high: the Nuggets would be relying on him to raise them from the depths and eventually make them playoffs contenders. Anthony performed impressively during his rookie season, racking up an average of 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Perhaps the most significant statistic for his team: the Nuggets went from winning just seventeen games in 2002–03 to winning forty-three games in Anthony's first season.

Anthony grew up in the rough inner city of Baltimore, Maryland. His father died when he was two years old, and his mother, Mary Anthony, raised Carmelo and his three older siblings by herself. She pushed her son to stay focused and disciplined where basketball was concerned, and she pushed him to attend college before going professional. To fulfill his desire to play for Syracuse, Anthony had to leave his Baltimore high school to attend the prestigious Oak Hill Academy, a Baptist boarding school in Virginia. He studied hard to bring his grades up so he could get admitted to Syracuse, and he practiced basketball as often as possible. He helped the Oak Hill team to a number-three national ranking in 2002, and he earned the grades necessary to take him to Syracuse.

Anthony has been described as an unusually mature player who has maintained his down-to-earth style even in the midst of the money, celebrity, and pressure that have come his way. Among the first things he spent his money on after being drafted by the Nuggets were a home for his mother in Baltimore and a youth center there to replace one that was closed down by the police when he was growing up.

At the time, James played basketball with his best friends, including Dru Joyce III, the son of his summer-league coach, and Sian Cotton, the son of another summer-league coach, Lee Cotton. Those coaches, both of whom stressed the values of good sportsmanship and being a team player, helped James form the basis of his playing style. James and his pals Joyce III and Cotton, along with Willie McGee, played together every chance they could as kids, and they vowed to stay together all through high school. That childhood promise became a reality as the four boys all attended Akron's St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, a private school known for its basketball program. At St. Vincent–St. Mary, James not only became the school's star basketball player, he also played football for three years and maintained solid grades. James's philosophy about being a team player meant that he spent as much of his playing time passing the ball to teammates and setting up shots as he did taking shots himself, resulting in his extraordinary passing skills. His high school coaches asserted that James could have been a player who averaged fifty to sixty points per game. Instead, his average was closer to thirty points a game, but he helped his entire team play better basketball. Many coaches and sportswriters have described James's maturity and selflessness as a player; Keith Dambrot, who coached James for his first two years of high school, summed up the key to James's success in the Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service article: "LeBron is a basketball genius, there is no other way to say it."

Fast-track to the NBA

Many observers had wondered, from James's earliest high school years, whether he would go to college or attempt to be drafted into the NBA straight out of high school. Eager to test his skills at the next level, James considered declaring for the draft as a junior, trying to get an exception to the rule that would have barred him from the draft before his graduation year. He decided instead to complete high school, announcing during his senior year that he would declare himself eligible for the 2003 NBA draft. James's decision to go professional right out of high school renewed the debate over whether players should be allowed to play for the NBA at such a young age. Supporters argue that if the player possesses the skills, he should be allowed to earn a living playing his sport. Critics suggest that most high school kids would benefit more from going to college first, using those years to improve their playing, acquire an education, and become more mature. Ignoring the debate and following his own instincts, James opted to skip college and head for the NBA.

Coming off a terrible season, tying for the worst record in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers had a chance to reshape their future in June of 2003: they had the number-one draft pick. They chose James, pinning their hopes on the eighteen-year-old player to turn their fortunes around. At six-foot-eight and 240 pounds, James certainly looked the part of an NBA player. But many wondered if he could live up to the hype surrounding him and compete in the far more competitive arena of professional basketball. When James made his official NBA debut in the fall of 2003 in a game against the Sacramento Kings, he answered the concerns of many doubters. The Cavaliers lost the game, but James played better than most rookies could hope for in a debut game—and better than any rookie straight out of high school—with twenty-five points, nine assists, six rebounds, and four steals. While he occasionally showed his inexperience and youth, and while he did not live up to the most outrageous expectations that he would play like Michael Jordan right out of high school, James did perform extremely well in his rookie season. He ended the 2003–04 season with an average of 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He ranked among the top fifteen players in the league in a number of categories, including points per game, total points, assists, and steals. In April of 2004, James was named the Rookie of the Year for the 2003–04 season. Speaking of the rookie's innate abilities on the court, Cleveland power forward Carlos Boozer told McCallum of Sports Illustrated, "You can only call it court sense. The way he takes advantage of a situation right away can't be taught. He just has it."

"I can handle it"

Barring injury, James will earn $19 million for his first four years with the Cavs, an amount that seems downright insignificant when compared to his endorsements. In a sponsorship deal that will pay James more than any other basketball player except Michael Jordan, Nike signed the player to a seven-year, $90 million contract—and that contract was signed before James had even inked a deal with the Cavs. He has also agreed to promote Coca-Cola products, including Sprite and Powerade, and Bubblicious bubblegum.

Predicting the amount of money James will generate for the Cavaliers, for Nike, and even for other NBA teams, Forbes magazine suggests that those investing in James will be repaid handsomely. During his rookie season, attendance for Cavs home games increased by fifty percent from the prior season. James sparked so much hype that basketball fans around the country sought out tickets for the Cavs' away games, moving the Cleveland team from last in the league for road attendance to first. As for his corporate sponsors, Nike released the first shoe endorsed by James, the Air Zoom Generation, in December of 2003. At $110 a pair, Nike sold 72,000 pairs in the first month alone. Bob Williams, the CEO of a company that matches athletes with corporations for endorsement deals, described to Sports Illustrated in 2003 the hurdles James will encounter in his first few years in the NBA: "He has to dominate his position, take a downtrodden franchise to the playoffs and eventually to a championship. He will make a lot of money and live happily ever after. But no one has ever had more expectations put on him than this young man right now." When reporters have asked him about dealing with the enormous pressure placed on him, James has frequently uttered what has become a sort of motto: "I can handle it." And with one successful season under his belt—both on court and off—many commentators have come to believe that perhaps he can.

For More Information

Jones, Ryan. King James: Believe the Hype—The LeBron James Story. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2003.

Morgan Jr., David Lee. LeBron James: The Rise of a Star. Cleveland: Gray and Company, 2003.

Periodicals

Badenhausen, Kurt. "Slam Dunk." Forbes (February 16, 2004): p. 64.

Chappell, Kevin. "Can LeBron James Repeat the Jordan Miracle?" Ebony (January 2004): p. 124.

Finnan, Bob. "Early to Rise." Sporting News (October 20, 2003): p. 40.

McCallum, Jack. "You Gotta Carry That Weight." Sports Illustrated (October 27, 2003): p. 68.

Pluto, Terry. "LeBron James, Once a Lanky Kid, Has Come a Long Way to the NBA." Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service (April 20, 2004): p. K1569.

Taylor, Phil. "Carmelo Anthony Has a Secret." Sports Illustrated for Kids (November 3, 2003): p. 24.

LeBronJames.com. http://www.lebronjames.com/hsc/hscMain.cfm (accessed August 1, 2004).

"LeBron James." NBA.com. http://www.nba.com/playerfile/lebron_james/index.html?nav=page (accessed August 1, 2004).

"LeBron Watch." Cleveland.com. http://www.cleveland.com/lebron/ (accessed August 1, 2004).

Morgan Jr., David Lee. "The Rise of a Star." HoopsHype. http://www.hoopshype.com/articles/lebron_morgan.htm (accessed August 1, 2004).

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• The Inspiring Story Of LeBron James: From High School To NBA Champion

The inspiring story of LeBron James: From High School to NBA Champion

• Planet Sport writer
• 15 September 2023

NBA Champion LeBron James is without a doubt one of the most legendary sports athletes of all time, with even those who are not interested in basketball confirming his legacy.

At age 38, James is still one of the biggest sports stars of the US, but the end of his career seems in sight.

From his humble origins in Ohio to becoming one of the most record breaking athletes of the globe, James’ story is an inspiration to many Americans.

With a flaming aspiration to make it in professional sports, LeBron James has been able to achieve success and recognition very few other athletes have achieved.

This guide will therefore take a closer look at the incredible story of LeBron James, that starts at his childhood full of struggles to become one of the biggest basketball players ever seen in the NBA. This is the story of LeBron James: from high school to NBA Champion.

Struggles as a kid in Akron, Ohio

LeBron James was born when his mother Gloria Marie James was only 16 years old. He was born in the state of Ohio, where he grew up in the city of Akron. When LeBron James was still a kid, life was often a struggle for the Afroamerican family, as they often moved between apartments, not providing the family with the overall stability they needed. His father, a convicted criminal, was not part of his life nor did he support his family financially.

James grew up in the roughest neighborhoods of the city which was partially due to his mother Gloria having ongoing difficulties finding a job and maintaining her family.

Aware that her son needed a stable household to progress in life, his mother allowed him to live with Frank Walker and his family. Walker was a known youth American Football coach in Akron who saw potential in James and presented him to the sport when he was 9 years old.

James began playing at a local American Football team when he was in 5th grade.

Although initiating his sports activities in American Football , he switched to basketball when he became older.

In 2001, right before his junior year, James was the main topic of an article in Slam Magazine in which the 16-year-old at the time — standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall — was labeled as the potentially “best high school basketball player in the United States”.

Officially being given the title by the sports organization in that same year was also the beginning of James' mind-blowing career as a college basketball player.

First overall pick in the NBA Draft

A few years later in 2003, James experienced the first of the honors that would boost his career. He was chosen as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Later throughout his career the Cavaliers would turn out to be one of the most important teams. At the age of 18, he became the youngest player ever in the history of the NBA to be drafted.

Despite his young age, he was able to show his extraordinary skills to the world, coming to an average of 20,9 points, 5,5 rebounds, and 5,9 assists per basketball game in his very first season.

These NBA stats led to the honor of being chosen as the NBA Rookie of the Year. At the time, he was the first Cavalier who won this prize.

He then graduated in his hometown from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School a year later in 2004 where he was part of the basketball team.

James was named to the USA team as a sophomore and was also selected for Today’s All-USA First Team. This was also the time when he was given one of his most known nicknames, “The Chosen One.”

After his junior year, a year after his decision to focus on professional basketball, James became a full-time pro.

Move To Miami Heat

James managed to set record after record, but his team, Cleveland Cavaliers, were having difficulties to win a significant title.

Frustrated by the overall sporting achievements of his team, James became a free agent in 2010.

He publicly announced he was going to make his first move with his new destination being the Miami Heat.

This turned out to be a good decision for James as he led them to the Heat to back-to-back championships in both 2012 and 2013. In both tournaments, James was chosen the NBA Finals MVP.

After having won his first championship titles, James said that he was going to come back to Cleveland. His return was established in 2014.

Return to Cleveland Cavaliers

James quickly led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals, losing the finals against the Warriors.

The loss affected the small forward although he states that it would only add to his “determination in winning titles with the team and city he loved so much”. In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers made it to the Finals, giving them the opportunity to seek revenge as it was once again the Golden State Warriors they were playing.

At a 3-1 deficit, it looked like they were going to lose the series again, but the determination James talked about after the last lost Finals, turned out to be decisive as his team was the very first NBA team in the history of the competition to turn a 3-1 deficit into a victory. James was named the NBA Finals MVP.

It was the 3rd time in his already impressive career that he was given the honor.

Sign with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2018, James made the move to the west coast as he joined the Los Angeles Lakers . He did this as a free agent, signing a contract of 4 years with the LA team. James was given the responsibility to lead and rebuild the team. The ultimate goal was to establish the team’s comeback to championship contention.

While doing so, at the age of 33, James still managed to perform strongly, leading to imposing stats. Despite his strong season, James wasn’t able to lead the team to the playoffs.

The team was facing a lot of injuries with James being one of the players who was affected by different groin injuries. Due to missing parts of the next seasons, his performances were inconsistent for a few years.

2023: The GOAT?

In February 2023, however, LeBron earned himself the title as the greatest basketball player of all time in the history of the NBA.

The number 6 of the Los Angeles Lakers did this by achieving the NBA career scoring record, which saw him surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at a total of 38,388 points.

The record was globally celebrated with international recognition for his performance. Now, at the age of 38, LeBron James has managed to set a long list of records and honors. These include winning a total of 4 MVP Awards, 4 Finals MVP Awards, and 2 Olympic gold medals with the US team.

He has also been selected as an All-Star for 19 times, chosen for the All-NBA Team for the same amount of 19 times (13 First Team selections) and was picked six times for the All-Defensive Team.

Still active, LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the best players and is often compared to Michael Jordan in the debate who is the greatest basketball player ever.

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LeBron James

LeBron Raymone James ▪ Twitter : KingJames ▪ Instagram: kingjames

(King James, LBJ, Chosen One, Bron-Bron, The Little Emperor, The Akron Hammer, L-Train, Benjamin Buckets)

Position: Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard ▪ Shoots: Right

6-9 ,  250lb  (206cm, 113kg)

Team : Los Angeles Lakers

Born: December 30 , 1984 in Akron,  Ohio us

Relatives : Son  Bronny James

High School: St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio

Recruiting Rank: 2003 (1)

Draft: Cleveland Cavaliers , 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 2003 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 29, 2003

Experience:  21 years

• 20x All Star
• 2007-08 Scoring Champ
• 2019-20 AST Champ
• 4x NBA Champ
• 20x All-NBA
• 2003-04 All-Rookie
• 2003-04 ROY
• 6x All-Defensive
• 4x Finals MVP
• NBA 75th Anniv. Team
• 2023-24 IST MVP

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