The Story of the GOAT: LeBron James
LeBron James is widely considered the greatest basketball players of all time. Vast achievements on and off the court, it is more than just a mere opinion.
He has earned four NBA MVP awards won four NBA championships, and earned two gold and bronze Olympic medals. He holds the most consecutive games scoring – which is every game he has ever played. One of his biggest achievements: triumphing the NBA’s all-time scoring record. While he has accomplished a lot, it took lots of hard work all starting in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles to the basket during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 26th, 2023. (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
On December 30th, 1984 LeBron Raymone James was born. As a child, LeBron showed an early talent for basketball. Playing in local leagues, he quickly became one of the best players in the area.
As he grew up, he focused on the history of the sport. After realizing that former great players must have had idols too, he looked for his own. LeBron’s idols were Michael Jordon, Ken Griffey Jr., and Deion Sanders.
These players were more than stellar players. Their commitment to the sport and joy while playing was inspiring to the young LeBron – and he internalized these traits.
During the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Jordan and LeBron James chat while surrounded by press. (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
He attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, where he played on the varsity basketball team starting in his freshman year. He quickly became the team's star player, leading them to three state championships in four years.
In his senior year of high school, LeBron’s popularity was rapidly expanding. His team’s games were so popular that they had to move them to the University of Akron. Although, his skill was becoming known at a national level.
LeBron Raymone James as a high school senior in 2002 at his school in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
His nationally acclaimed skill helped him win the National High School Player of the Year. This is when he earned the title as, “The Chosen One.”
In an interview between Lebron and Coach K, LeBron states that this title came, “from a local magazine [his] Sophomore year that used that on one of the clippers after one of [his] games. They were like, ‘is this kid the chosen one?’”
However, most sources point the origin of the title and his iconic “Chosen1” tattoo to his feature on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. The headline said "The Chosen One."
Sports Illustrated magazine cover featuring LeBron James as “The Chosen One.” (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/Sports Illustrated)
If being given the title of ‘The Chosen One’ is not enough pressure, he was also a part of some of the first televised high school games on ESPN.
LeBron said that he realized at that point that, “if [he] has any opportunity to be able to play [in the NBA he] has to commit to it 1000 percent.” Commit he did.
During a match between St. Vincent High School and R.J. Reynolds High School in Greensboro, NC on January 15th, 2003. LeBron James #23 dribbles up the court, giving direction to the team as the natural leader he always has been.
In 2003, LeBron was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. At only 18 years old, he became the youngest player ever to be drafted in the NBA.
He quickly proved himself to be an exceptional player, averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in his rookie season. This impressive display earned him NBA Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Cavalier to win the award.
LeBron James #23 in his first year on the Cleveland Cavaliers in September 10th, 2003. He poses with a basketball, a smirk, and a backwards hat at the Rookie Shoot. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Over the next few years, LeBron continued to improve and establish himself as one of the best players in the league. He led the Cavaliers to the playoffs in his third season, but they were eliminated in the second round.
In 2007, he led them to the NBA Finals, but they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the loss, LeBron's performance in the Finals was impressive, and he was named the youngest player ever to win the NBA scoring title.
The 2007 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs. LeBron James #23 of the Cavaliers goes for a layup against Robert Horry #5 of the Spurs. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LeBron kept putting up impressive numbers, but the Cavaliers were struggling to win a championship. As a result, in 2010, he became a free agent and announced that he would be signing with the Miami Heat.
The decision was controversial, and many fans were angry with him for leaving Cleveland. However, LeBron joined a talented team that already included Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, and together they formed a "Big Three" that was expected to dominate the league.
In 2014, the “Big Three” of the Miami Heat from left to right, Dwyane Wade #3, LeBron James #6, and Chris Bosh #1 stand before a game against the San Antonio Spurs. (Photo by Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
In his first season with the Heat, LeBron struggled to adapt to his new team and faced criticism for his performance in the playoffs. That year’s finals ended explosively.
The Heat were ahead by nine in the final four minutes, but the Mavericks caught up. With fives seconds remaining, Dirk Nowitzki broke down the defense and scored the game winning leftie lay-up: eliminating the Heat. Many pointed blame at the still adapting LeBron.
However, he bounced back in the following seasons, leading the Heat to back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. Both years LeBron was named the NBA Finals MVP.
Miami Heat’s LeBron James poses during the celebrations after winning the 2013 NBA Championship. (Photo by Hector Gabino/El Nuevo Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
After these championship titles, LeBron said to Cleveland in 2014 that he would, “do what makes my city happy, and that’s why I came back. I love you, I’m back.” He returned to the Cavaliers, but his decision was met with mixed reactions. Regardless, he was welcomed back with open arms.
Upon his return, LeBron said he felt, “a lot of pressure to try to end a 52 year drought of not winning an [NBA] championship.” LeBron led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals, but they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games. This hit LeBron hard – yet only strengthened his determination.
In 2016, LeBron and the Cavaliers faced the Warriors again in the Finals. Coming close to defeat in a 3-1 deficit, they overcame the odds and became the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit. LeBron's performance in the series was legendary, and he was named the NBA Finals MVP for the third time in his career.
Back on the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James shoots a layup past Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. (Photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
LeBron joined the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent in 2018, signing a four-year contract with the team. He was tasked with leading a young and rebuilding Lakers team back to championship contention.
Like usual, LeBron put up impressive numbers. Although, he was unable to lead the Lakers to the playoffs. The team struggled with injuries and chemistry issues, and LeBron himself missed a significant portion of the season with a groin injury.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacting to an injury during a game versus the Atlanta Hawks on March 20th, 2021. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The following season, LeBron and the Lakers were off to a strong start, with a 49-14 record. However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and caused a suspension of the season.
When the season resumed, the Lakers continued their strong play and advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced off against the Miami Heat.
LeBron was instrumental in the Lakers' championship run, averaging 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game in the Finals. He was named the NBA Finals MVP for the fourth time in his career, becoming the first player to win the award with three different teams.
LeBron James #23 receives the NBA Finals MVP award after Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals on October 11th, 2020. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
In February 2023, Lebron cemented himself as the greatest of all time. He achieved the NBA career scoring record, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at 38,388 points.
LeBron said he, “I never sought out to accomplish [the scoring record]. Ever sense I was a kid, my little league coach always talked about, ‘the beauty of the pass and the beauty of everybody feeling in a good rhythm. I always knew I had a God-given ability, but I wanted to use that for my teammates.”
He continued saying that, “for me to sit here as the all-time leader in points scored is mind-boggling.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hugs LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers and gives him the game ball after LeBron broke the NBA All Time Scoring record during his game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 7th, 2023. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The path to his greatness was partly due to his priority of his teammates. Whenever he would be on the court, he would focus on learning from his peers. This allowed himself to grow and adapt to every new player – leading his teams to numerous victories.
On top of his sight for the team, his dedication to the game is massive. He has trained constantly since high school, but ensures that any injury is taken care of meticulously. This training has sculpted his long and successful career.
On October 8th, 2020, LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers Assistant Coach Phil Handy practice in preparation for the 2020 NBA Finals. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Off the court, LeBron has an illustrious portfolio of philanthropy. Only one year after he was drafted in 2004, he created The LeBron James Family Foundation. Their mission is to create, “generational change for the kids and families of James’ hometown in Akron, Ohio through a focus on education and co-curricular educational initiatives.”
The foundation helps provide support for the school LeBron opened, the I Promise School, in Akron. Their goal as a public school is to serve at-risk students and provides them with additional resources and support.
LeBron James at the grand opening of the I Promise school on July 30th, 2018 in Akron Ohio. The crowd consists of students, parents, local officials and sponsors. (Photo by Allison Farrand/NBAE via Getty Images)
Like his philanthropic work, he is also a successful businessman. He has partnered with Drake and owns a digital video company – Uninterrupted. He also owns a video production company called Spring Hill Entertainment.
LeBron even is part of the Fenway Sports Group since 2021. This makes him a part-owner of the Boston Red Sox, Roush Fenway Racing, New England Sports Network, and Liverpool F.C.
His extensive career even has even expanded to film and television. The NBA star is featured in many films including Space Jam: A New Legacy, in which he plays the main character of, well, himself. He has also been featured in television shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants and The Simpsons.
Rapper Drake and LeBron James attend their launch of Uninterrupted in Ontario in Toronto, Canada, held at Louis Louis on August 02, 2019. (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images)
LeBron James's basketball career has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days in Akron to his success with the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers, he has consistently proven himself to be one of the best players in the league.
His ability to score, rebound, and distribute the ball has made him a versatile and dominant force on the court. His championships, MVP awards, and other accolades are a testament to his talent and hard work.
But LeBron's impact extends beyond the court. His dedication to social justice and community initiatives has made him a role model and a leader. He has used his platform to promote equity for all. LeBron Raymone James is impressively still in his prime at age 38 and will continue to impact all aspects of society for hopefully many years to come.
