LeBron James

LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio to mother Gloria James. Gloria raised LeBron all by herself, with the help of her family. Gloria and LeBron moved around a lot, and LeBron even lived with his coach’s family for a bit while Gloria worked hard to find a job and a permanent home for herself and LeBron.  

LeBron joined his first basketball team when he was only nine years old, and by the time he was a senior in high school, he had already received recognition for his basketball skills. The NBA was ready to sign him before he even graduated high school, but LeBron wanted to finish school first. Once he graduated high school in 2003, LeBron immediately joined the NBA. He was the number one draft pick, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers.  

LeBron played with the Cavaliers until 2010, when he switched teams to join the Miami Heat. He won two championship rings with the Heat, before deciding he wanted to go back to the Cavaliers in 2014 and help them win a championship. In 2016 he did just that, as he took the Cavaliers to the finals and won. Two years after that, LeBron decided to switch teams again, and he joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He still plays with the Lakers today.  

Although LeBron no longer plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, he hasn’t forgotten his hometown. In 2018, LeBron built the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio for at risk kids. It also helps their parents get jobs. LeBron also regularly makes donations to organizations like The Boys & Girls Clubs of America.