20 Things You Didn’t Know About LeBron James
By Juliet Smith
2 years ago
1. His Mother Spent Time in Prison
(Image Source/ thebasketballnetwork)LeBron's mother was called Gloria James. When Lebron James was in fourth grade, his mother ended up spending a brief spell in the county jail. She spent seven days there for committing petty crimes such as trespassing and disorderly conduct.2. He Was Wanted Since 9th Grade
(Image Source/ cleveland)Talent hunting and scouting now takes place with people of a seriously young age. But, back then when Lebron James was in ninth grade it was even more of a huge deal. The International Management Group looked into James at a very young age and everybody seemed to know that the talent was destoned for greatness.3. His High School Punishment Was Push-Ups
(Image Source/ newsweek)Lebron James's school had a very unconventional way of punishing its students, or more specifically of punishing James. His high school coach would make him do 10 push ups for every time he would swear and curse. I guess the coach could see potential already and perhaps all of this extra practice was just what Lebron needed.4. His Lucky Number is 6
(Image Source/ newyorkpost)Lebron James's school had a very unconventional way of punishing its students, or more specifically of punishing James. His high school coach would make him do 10 s for evertime he would swear and curse. I guess the coach could see potential already and perhaps all of this extra practice was just what Lebron needed.5. He Beat the Teachers
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6. He has a secret handshake with Jay-Z
(Image Source/ businessinsider)We all know and love the fact that Lebron James and Jay-Z have a very close relationship. They are pretty much each other’s biggest fans. But what we love even more is the fact that the two of them have a secret handshake together. That is something we all need to see. Whenever the pair see each other, they do their handshake.7. He Wore Rd. J's Number
(Image Source/ entrepeaneur)LeBron James isn't just an idol to others, he himself had many basketball idols too. Mainly, Dr. J who James revered. In high school he wore number 32 on his shirt because Dr.J had worn it first. Although Dr. J had retired from basketball by the time Lebron was just two years old, James still loved him.8. Michael Jordan Invited Him to A Practice Game
(Image Source/ thebasketballnetwork)Lebron James was just about to go into his junior year at high school. It was still the summer and Michael Jordan invited him to attend his private scrimmages (practice basketball game). This is a massive honour in itself especially considering he was so young at the time.9. Jay-Z Wrote a Rap About Him
(Image Source/ cbsnews)As we know Jay Z and Lebron James have a great bromance. It has been very well publicized that Lebron and DeShawn have continuous issues with one another. It first started when Stevenson called James overrated. Jay-Z came to his friend’s defense in very good style. He released the song 'Blow the Whistle' in which he defended LeBron and actually advised James to sleep with Stevenson's girlfriend.10. Jordan's Orthopaedist Helped Him
(Image Source/ celebrityinsider)LeBron broke his wrist while playing a football AAU game the summer before his senior year. Thankfully, it was his non-shooting wrist. But everybody was scared that the future king of basketball would forever be affected by this and it may ruin his future potential chances.11. He Keeps His Height A Secret
(Image Source/ theurbanwrist)Lebron James clearly like to keep an air of mystery. The year before his sophomore year LeBron James had a growth spurt and gained a few inches in height. He was already 6 feet at this point which meant he was already a top-five AAU prospect. Then after he passed 6 foot 6, he refused to be measured anymore. Jordan's height is 6'6 and after he took over the former player's height, he no longer wanted to be measured.12. He Won 3 MVP Awards By 25
(Image Source/ thebasketballnetwork)This is a massive achievement in the basketball world, to win to MVPs under the age of 25 years old. So much so in fact that it is only LeBron and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that are the only two players to ever win at least two MVP awards by 25. LeBron James has collected many many accolades during his career and he has continuously broken records and barriers in basketball.13. High School Football Star
(Image Source/ heavyinsider)It's not only basketball that LeBron James has excelled at from a very young age. It seems he could have gone in either career direction, football or basketball, had he wished to do so. When he was at school, he was also a massive talent on the football pitch and many deemed him a young football star.14. Finishing High School
(Image Source/ gq)Many people believe that LeBron was good enough to enter the NBA draft just after his first year of high school, he was that good. But of course, the NBA could not allow a child of just 16 years old to sign the contract and play for the league. He was of course the best player in the country of his age, but also of way above his age category too. It was just a matter of waiting until he could join the national basketball association.15. He had a whole show to make a decision
(Image Source/ thebasketballnetwork)People often have a bad opinion of James. But he likes to display that he is in fact a good person, even if people do not like his attitude. For example, the was The Decision Show. This was an entire show that was aired on ESPN that was literally just about LeBron and his decision of whether he was going to stay in Cleveland or sign with the Miami Heat instead.16. Obama’s Campaign
(Image Source/ cleveland.con)Unlike many celebrities, LeBron James publicises his political views. Usually, people in the public eye keep their views private so that they do not run the risk of alienating half of their fans. But LeBron James is openly a Democrat. In 2008 he donated $20,000 to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. In fact, the two of them became very well acquainted with one another.17. He Doesn't Know His Dad
(Image Source/ gosspiextra)He has never met his biological father. His mother met Lebron James's dad as a casual fling. And so, when she became pregnant, he was not interested in sticking around to help raise the child. And so, he has been absent ever since. James said that his childhood was difficult. His mother was a single mom and had to struggle to provide for the both of them and money was extremely scarce.18. His Surrogate Dad Trafficked Drugs
(Image Source/ thesportsontap)Because James never saw or had any contact with his dad, when his mum found a new partner, he became his surrogate dad. His surrogate father is called Eddie Jackson, and he is the man that he calls his dad. Although this relationship is not simple either.19. He Is a dad
(Image Source/ dailymail)LeBron James now has 3 kids with his wife Savannah Brinson. Their oldest son is also named LeBron James Jr, after his world-renowned father. But he is commonly referred to as Bronny James by the people close to him. Plus, it creates a distinction between father and son. His second son and second youngest child is called Bryce Maximus James.20. He's Left-Handed
(Image Source/ basketballforever)This wouldn't be such a big deal, but Lebron writes and eats and does pretty much everything with his left hand. But he shoots with his right hand. It's unusual not to use your strongest hand to shoot the ball into the basket. Particularly because the hand you use for everyday life is more dextrous than the hand you tend not to use.21. He Started Playing Basketball As A Toddler
(Image Source/ Sports Illustrated)It makes sense that by the time he was just a young boy he was already a talent. LeBron James had started to play as just a toddler. The older kids who he lived near would play with him and show him the ropes pretty much as soon as he could stand on his own two feet.22. His First Basketballs Were Practiced In A Milk Crate
(Image Source/ Milkcratebasketball)LeBron James was not a privileged child, he did not have his own hoop until he was much older. He created his own basketball hoop out of a milk crate which he attached to the wall with screws. These screws are still there today to mark the humble beginning of his world-famous career.23. He Was Spotted At 9 Years Old
(Image Source/ PWDnutrition)It's amazing to think that a child of 9 years old was already catching the attention of professionals in the field for displaying a remarkable amount of talent for the sport. By 9 years old he was spotted and recruited for a youth team, after this his talents continued to shine.24. Parents Complained That He Was Too Big
(Image Source/ Los Angeles.com)LeBron James started the youth team at 9 years old, much to the displeasure of the other parents of the children as he was already dominating the field. They complained that he was much too big and strong to be 9 years old and they demanded to see his birth certificate.25. He Was The Cover Of Sports Illustrated By High School
(Image Source/ Sports Illustrated)In 2002 LeBron James was the cover story of The Sports Illustrated magazine whilst he was just a junior in high school. It called him “The Chosen One” which became a name used afterward, and one that James enjoyed. LeBron went on to get “CHOSEN 1” tattooed across his back.26. His Nickname King James Started In High school
(Image Source/ Amazon)These hugely praising names started very early and he became used to being somebody who was worshipped within the sporting field. When he was in high school he also has a local paper print a story referring to him as King James - another name which stuck.27. He Was Compared To Michael Jordan At High School
(Image Source/ Sports skysports)From a very early age, James was compared to Michael Jordan - one of the world's greatest ever basketball players. These comparisons started in high school when James's talent was clear and was already comparable to Michael Jordan when he was younger.28. He Has The Most All Star Selections
(Image Source/ Marca)Setting new records and breaking new records is something James has done throughout his entire basketball career since he was young. He now has the most All Star selections of any other basketball player ever. His All Star selections are now are at an impressive 19 games.29. He Has Played The Most Consecutive All Star Games
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30. He Was Selected As The Associated Press Male Athlete Of The Decade
(Image Source/ Sports Illustrated)He was selected as the associated press male athlete of the decade in 2019. Which adds his name to a famous list including the likes of Arnold Palmer, Wayne Gretzky, and Tiger Woods. He was selected by a panel that was made up of Associated Press writers and sports editors.31. He Is Up There With The NBA All-Time Point Leaders
(Image Source/ Sports Face)In 2020, the active NBA player with the most career points was measured on a list. First is Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, second is Karl Malone and third is LeBron James. Michael Jordan is fifth on the list. Of all the active players, LeBron is the first on the list.32. He Sleeps 12 Hours A Day
(Image Source/ Silverscreen)LeBron's regime includes his strict sleep practices. As a daily average James sleeps for 12 hours per day. He has openly discussed this part of his regime which made many wonder if this was the secret to his unwavering body condition. His teammates over the years having jokingly said that James is basically either sleeping or playing basketball
33. His Biggest Weakness Is 3 Point Shooting
(Image Source/ Cavaliers Nation)We can't say LeBron has any weak areas when it comes to basketball. But it has been recognised that James has one area that is weaker than the others. His 3 point turn remains one of his least developed areas in his game. But, it's considerably better than the start of his career.
34. He Loves Spin Class For Training
(Image Source/ Pinterest)LeBron has a very stringent regime when it comes to exercise as he has to maintain his fitness. He usually takes 30 minutes to an hour of spin fitness classes a day which he does alongside supersets of plyometric exercises such as step climbing, lunges, push-ups, jump squats, and also skipping.
35. He Switches All Electronic Devices Off Before He Sleeps
(Image Source/ Pinterest)As we discovered, sleep is very important to James. To ensure he gets quality sleep he insists on turning off all his electronic devices around 30 to 45 minutes before going to sleep every night. And he often plays Rain on Leaves sounds on the Calm app to relax him.
36. He Drinks Wine Or Tequila Every Night
(Image Source/YahooSports)This does not sound like the routine of a champion - but for LeBron James down time is one of the most important aspects of his routine. Aside from the healthy eating and the exercise, relaxing at night with his family and having a drink of wine or tequila is a must.
37. He Has Two Gold Medals
(Image Source/ TheSanDiegoStar)LeBron James has got so many accolades as he is one of the most successful sports people of all times. Earning awards and medals is just part and parcel of LeBron James world. So, it makes sense that he also has two gold Olympic medals - which is pretty much the most impressive award a sports person can get.
38. He Is The Youngest Player In NBA History To Score 20,000 Career Points
(Image Source/ NBA)We know that LeBron James has the third most career points of any basketball player in history. And he's often been the youngest to achieve major feats. But as well as this big claim, he was also the youngest player in the entire history of the NBS to score 20,000 career points.
39. He Is One Of The Greatest Ever Hometown Stars
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LeBron James is now widely considered one of the greatest hometown stars. This is because he is one of the only major NBA basketball stars to continue playing for his hometown team for the majority of his career. James has always been exceedingly loyal to his hometown.
40. His Nike Deal Is Worth One Billion
(Image Source/ Sports247)Most of us are aware that LeBron James has a huge deal with Nike. And, its worth a massive amount. The deal is now worth around one billion dollars. Perhaps even just as amazing is the fact that James signed his Nike deal just after leaving high school.
41. He Was Given Shares In Dre Beats
(Image Source/ Headphonesty)There's not many people who are so influential or who would be a better promoter than LeBron James considering his extreme popularity. So, he was given 30 million dollars worth of shares in Dre Beats in return for promoting the product. It's been a beneficial deal both ways.
42. His Basketball Card Reached 1.8 million dollars
(Image Source/ Pinterest)Again James made history. And this time it was for an auction of his memorabilia. One of his basketball cards reached 1.8 million which was the price it sold at. This is the most a basketball card has ever been sold at before. His merch remains something very highly valued.
43. His Father's Absence Inspired Him To Be A Better Dad
(Image Source/ Sports Illustrated)We have discussed James's lack of a father figure. And, this was something that he actually used to inspire him to be a better dad. Having experienced what it was like without one made him realise everything he needed to be for his own three children, who he adores and dotes on.
44. He Met His Wife At High School
(Image Source/ Cosmopolitan)James met his future wife, named Savannah Brinson, during their time at high school together and they have been married ever since. The two of them had the true childhood sweetheart romance. They tied the knot in 2013 and they have since gone on to have three children together.45. At Some Points He And His Mother Were Homeless
(Image Source/ ESPN)As we know, LeBron James had a very turbulent childhood, with his living situation being so precarious at times he and his mother found themselves homeless with nowhere to stay.Thankfully friends and family put them up. They stayed at LeBron James's friends who he is still incredibly close with today.46. He Saved His Friend From Drowning
(Image Source/ YouTube)James revealed that while he was on holiday in the Bahamas one time he rescued a fellow basketball player, Anthony McClelland who was also in the Bahamas at the time. McClelland had got himself into trouble in the water and ended up almost drowning but James saved him.47. He Tries To Avoid Red Meat
(Image Source/ Sports Illustrated)LeBron has not managed his success with an unhealthy diet. At the age of 37 years he is still at the peak of his game and has the body condition of a 25 year old. One of the ways he looks after himself is by trying to avoid red meats. The longest period he went was 46 days in which he only ate white meats/ fish, fruit and veggies.
48. He Opened A School
(Image Source/ Sports Illustrated)LeBron James opened his own school. He's involved with many children's charities to help vulnerable kids or children in need. The I Promise School was built with children in risk in mind. It was created by James for them to provide the safety and stability they did not have from home.
49. He's Creating Houses For The Homeless In Akron
(Image Source/ WBC)Being homeless himself briefly when he was younger inspired LeBron James to try and tackle the problem in his home town. Recently he has set about building a housing estate for homeless people. Not only will shelter be provided but also food and warmth and clothes.
50. His House Is Worth 36 Million Dollars
(Image Source/ Los Angeles Times)Of course one of the most successful - arguably the most successful - basketball players of all time is going to have an impressive house. His mansion which resides in LA, that he shares with his family, is worth an impressive 36 million dollars. The place boasts swimming pools and a tennis court and cinema room.
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