LeBron Raymone James Sr. turned 40 yesterday. What a life.
James was born to a 16 year old single mother in Akron, Ohio. Housing insecurity was constant, life was not easy. And although LeBron didn’t know it at the time, a future life-changing coach knew that sports, under the right conditions, could save a kid’s life.
“Sports was my way out.” (LeBron James)
Today LeBron James is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, with many accolades to his name including NBA all-time leading scorer (> 40,000 career points), 4X NBA champion, 4X MVP, 20X All-Star selection, 3 Olympic medals (2 gold, 1 bronze).
If you ask the man himself, one of his proudest moments must surely have been when, just a few months ago, he became the first father to play with his son in the NBA at the same time on the same team.
Today, LeBron James is the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.
“The first time I stepped on an NBA court I became a businessman.” (LeBron James)
Will he retire in 2025? He certainly can afford to. James has said that he “won’t play until the wheels fall off”. Can he wait long enough for his son, Bryce, to play in the NBA? Bryce is still a teenager, not eligible to enter the NBA Draft until 2026. To a 40 year-old, that must seem like a lifetime away.
“Tell them you’re not done till you play with your son. Then do that again … you ain’t done yet.” (LeBron James’ wife, Savannah, ‘The King & The Viking’ Beats by Dre YouTube video)
Besides being a husband and father, one of LeBron James’ constant motivations is to “put (his hometown) Akron on the map”. Every point he scores does that. Even after his basketball career is over, James has put things in play to ensure that struggling kids from Akron, who are just like he used to be, have a chance. His “I Promise” educational initiative, including expansions into badly needed local housing and healthcare, will ensure that for years to come.
Mr. James, you done good. Happy four-o.
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