Sports

LeBron James

Born December 30, 1984 · Akron, Ohio

More than an athlete — LeBron James is a four-time NBA champion, billionaire entrepreneur, and community builder who opened a public school for at-risk children in his hometown of Akron.

Known For

Four-time NBA champion

Founded

I PROMISE School, Akron

Legacy

First active NBA billionaire

LeBron Raymone James was born to a 16-year-old single mother in Akron, Ohio. He moved 12 times before age nine and found stability through basketball. By high school, he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated under the headline "The Chosen One."

Selected first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, James has won four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and is the NBA's all-time leading scorer. He has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, dominating the sport for over two decades.

Off the court, James has built a billion-dollar business empire and become one of the most impactful athletes in history. In 2018, he opened the I PROMISE School in Akron — a public school providing free tuition, meals, bicycles, and guaranteed college tuition to at-risk students. He has donated hundreds of millions to educational causes and used his platform to speak out on racial justice, voting rights, and police brutality.