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LeBron Raymone James was born
James was born in Akron, Ohio to a 16 year-old, single mother who later allowed him to live with Frank Walker--a local football coach--because she wasn't able to provide him a safe, stable home/lifestyle (bio.com). Picture from si.com.nbaphotos -
The beginning of his basketball career
Frank Walker, first exposed him to basketball at the age of 9. He played with the kids around the town and was slowly being noticed for his skills with the sport because of his size, technique, and love for the game (Bio.com). Picture from pinterest -
High School Career
James was recruited by the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to join their basketball team his freshman year. In the 9th grade, he averaged 18 points/game and led the team to a D-III state title 2 years in a row, scoring an average 25 points at the championship game. Word got around; he was chosen for the USA Today All-USA First Team his sophomore year--the first ever 10th grader to be given this opportunity. Junior year, after many honors, he thought of going pro (bio.com).
Photo from sikids.com -
Going Pro
Finishing High School off with a total of 2,657 points, 892 rebounds, 523 assists, he was a perfect match for the NBA. He skipped college and was chosen for the 2003 NBA draft to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was rookie of the year--the first of the Cavs and the youngest to receive this award. -
NBA star
Even when his girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, and he had their first son, LeBron Jr., he didn't stop his career. He prospered as a Cavalier, augmented his average points/game, and became the youngest player to ever score 50 points in one game. He won MVP in 2006. He was later drafted to the Miami Heat in 2008. He won two consecutive championships. Cleveland called him "selfish" and felt betrayed. He stated: he knew what was best for him but it was hard for him to leave (bio.com). -
LeBron James Family Foundation
Throughout his striving NBA career, his wife, and kids, he has created a foundation to give back to the city he loves. The LJFF is a foundation in which he helps children stay in school and graduate. He has even expanded this to uneducated adults so they can get a GED. His I PROMISE campaign illustrates his promise to his city and theirs to his--to succeed.
How his company is working:
- weekly letters to kids
- I PROMISE bands during games
- Funds their education
(our story). Photo by LJFF.org -
Back Home
He eventually came back to the Cavs and took them to the NBA finals. His biggest victory, the one worth crying about on national television, was the 2015-16 season in which he led his team back from a 3-1 deficit and giving the cavs their first championship victory in history. He was voted finals MVP and he proudly declared that he "came back to bring a championship to our city". He explained that he went to learn, and came back with enough to help them win. Photo from The Post -
