LeBron James Facts
Can LeBron James jump over the gap of the athletic world to the entertainment world? This weekend, Space Jam 2 releases in movie theaters and on HBO Max. The sequel to the iconic ‘90s film starring Michael Jordan saw the basketball star working with the Looney Toons to stop a (hilarious) threat. This sequel, coming out nearly three decades later, will now star James at its helm.
But who is the man behind the basketball title and potential blossoming movie career? What are some facts about LeBron James that you may not already know? From his background to surprising, fun facts, here’s a list of 8 facts about LeBron James. Enjoy!
Pop File: LeBron James
Birthdate: December 30, 1984
Birthplace: Akron, Ohio
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Height: 6 feet 8 inches
Weight: 250 pounds
Body Type: Muscular
1. Basketball Saved His Troubled Childhood
Not all stars start out shining brightly. Some of them have to work their way to their fame and fortune. And LeBron James certainly started out with a rocky life.
LeBron James’ father was an ex-con who didn’t stick around to support him. On top of that, the James family was poor and struggling to survive. James event missed 100 days of school while in the fourth grade. Thankfully, basketball saved LeBron James.
Two of James’ basketball coaches, Bruce Kelker and Frankie Walker, took LeBron in at their homes and treated James like family. That helped James to focus not only on the sport but also on his grades.
2. He Was A Basketball Star At A Young Age
Within Akron, Ohio, LeBron attended classes at St. Vincent – St. Mary High School. While there, he participated in basketball. Or rather, he led it. LeBron James became an instant child star and was the face of his three-time state title-winning basketball team. LeBron James was even named “Mr. Basketball” in Ohio for three straight years and also made the cover of Sports Illustrated. But when it came to college, the sport mattered more than getting an education. So, James went straight to the NBA after he became the number 1 pick in the 2003 NBA draft.
Related: 8 Facts About Out Football Player Carl Nassib
3. Basketball Wasn’t His Only Sport
While LeBron James is known for his juggernaut career as a basketball player, that wasn’t the only sport he played as a child. Back in High school at St. Vincent – St. Mary, LeBron James played in his school’s football team. In fact, he was also good at that sport too. James joined the all-state football team during his sophomore year as a wide receiver. He even helped design his high school’s football uniforms. Though, a broken wrist led to the end of James’ football career. Thankfully, it didn’t end his chances in basketball.
4. He Wanted To Give Cleveland The Championship
After graduating high school, LeBron was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He then spent seven seasons with the team that he grew up living nearby. That brought a lot of pride to the area, but, unfortunately, the team couldn’t win the championship that entire time. Then in 2010, the basketball star became a free agent. That led to major speculation, including an ESPN show called The Decision, around which team he’d join.
Eventually, LeBron James joined the Miami Heat. James ended up staying there for four years and made it to the NBA championships every year. Though, the team won two out of those four times. Then in 2014, LeBron James returned to play for Cleveland. He then finally joined the team at the championship in 2016.
5. He’s A Yankees Fan
LeBron James’ love and commitment to Cleveland isn’t a full commitment when it comes to every sport, however. The Basketball star supports other citizens when it comes to baseball. Specifically, James is a big New York Yankees fan. And, he continues to support the team, despite some protests from his neighbors and other Cleveland Indians fans.
6. He’s Left-Handed
Did you know that despite being left-handed, LeBron James taught himself to shoot with his right hand? The athlete isn’t exactly ambidextrous, but he has worked hard over his life to be a solid right-handed shooter on the court. And his majorly successful athletic career shows just how good he’s gotten at using his less dominant hand for the sport.
Related: 8 Facts About Golf Star Jon Rahm
7. He Married His High School Sweetheart
LeBron James started dating Savannah Brinson when he was a senior in college and she was a junior cheerleader at a rival high school.
“I knew he loved me when I left my leftovers from dinner in his car,” she told Harper's Bazaar in 2010 of their first date at Outback Steakhouse. “I'd totally forgotten about them, and he brought them to me. I think he just wanted another excuse to come and see me.”
The two continued to date and then got married in 2013. They now have three kids together.
“[Savannah] was down when I was at my high school, no cameras, no lights. And she was there with me,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018. “You wouldn't be talking to me right now if it weren't for her.”
8. He’s A Producer
LeBron James is not only a blossoming actor, but he’s also an entertainment producer too. The athlete and creative co-founded a production company called SpringHill Entertainment. So far, the company has created projects like Space Jam: A New Legacy, More Than A Game, Student Athlete, Rise Up, The Carter Effect, and What’s My Name.
