What is the I Promise School?

The I Promise School is a public school LeBron James opened in Akron, Ohio in July 2018 through his foundation. It serves at risk students from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing free meals, uniforms, bicycles, and family support services. LeBron committed to providing free University of Akron tuition for graduates. Early results show significant student improvement.

How did LeBron become a billionaire?

LeBron became the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status in 2022. His wealth comes primarily from business ventures including a lifetime Nike deal worth over $1 billion, SpringHill media company valued at $725 million, stakes in Blaze Pizza and Liverpool Football Club, and strategic investments managed by his business team.

What was the decision?

The decision was a controversial 2010 ESPN television special where LeBron announced he was leaving Cleveland to join the Miami Heat. Cleveland fans felt betrayed, but the move represented athlete empowerment and LeBron taking control of his career. The broadcast raised $2.5 million for charity. He later returned to Cleveland in 2014.

What is SpringHill Company?

SpringHill Company is LeBron's media and entertainment production company valued at $725 million. It produces television shows, documentaries, and films including the shop, shut up and dribble, and space jam a new legacy. LeBron maintains creative control and focuses on content reflecting his values and interests beyond traditional athlete endorsements.

How many championships has LeBron won?

LeBron James has won 4 NBA championships with three different teams. He won back to back titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, delivered Cleveland's first championship in 2016 after an historic comeback against Golden State, and won with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He earned Finals MVP in all four victories.

What is More Than a Vote?

More Than a Vote is a nonprofit organization LeBron founded in 2020 to protect Black voting rights and combat voter suppression. The organization recruits poll workers, educates voters about their rights, and fights policies that disenfranchise minority communities. It demonstrates LeBron's commitment to activism beyond symbolic gestures through organized sustained effort.

Why is LeBron called the chosen one?

Sports Illustrated called LeBron the chosen one on their cover when he was just 17 years old in high school. The headline reflected unprecedented hype for a high school basketball player. National television broadcast his games, and he was already considered a future NBA superstar before graduating. The nickname stuck throughout his career.

December 30, 1984: LeBron James Born in Akron, Ohio

Future cultural icon begins journey from poverty to legend

On December 30, 1984, LeBron James was born in Akron, Ohio. He would become one of the most influential cultural figures of his generation, transcending basketball.

Key Facts

Birth Date

December 30, 1984

Birthplace

Akron, Ohio

Childhood

Raised by single mother in poverty

High School Fame

Featured on Sports Illustrated at 17

NBA Draft

First overall pick in 2003

Championships

4 NBA titles with 3 different teams

Space Jam 2

Starred in 2021 sequel

SpringHill Company

Media and entertainment production empire

I Promise School

Opened public school in Akron in 2018

Social Activism

Outspoken on social justice issues

Business Empire

Net worth exceeds $1 billion

Cultural Impact

Influenced fashion, media, and sports culture

Quick Stats

Attribute	Value
Date of Birth	December 30, 1984
Age Entering NBA	18 years old (2003)
First SI Cover	17 years old (2002)
NBA Championships	4 titles
Teams Played For	Cavaliers, Heat, Lakers
Olympic Gold Medals	2 (2008, 2012)
Business Valuation	Over $1 billion net worth
Social Media Following	Over 150 million followers
I Promise School Cost	$8 million contribution

About December 30, 1984: LeBron James Born in Akron, Ohio

On December 30, 1984, LeBron James was born in Akron, Ohio, to a 16 year old single mother living in poverty. Nobody could have predicted this baby would grow up to become a billionaire, media mogul, and one of the most influential people on the planet.

From Homeless Kid to Basketball Superstar

At just 17 years old, he landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the headline the chosen one. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. Before playing a single NBA game, he signed a $90 million Nike deal.

Building a Billion Dollar Empire

In 2010, he made the controversial decision to leave Cleveland for Miami, which sparked huge backlash. In 2014, LeBron came home to Cleveland and delivered the ultimate prize. LeBron sealed Cleveland's first major championship since 1964 with an epic Game 7 performance.

Giving Back to His Community

Perhaps LeBron's most meaningful achievement is the I Promise School he opened in Akron in 2018. The school serves at risk kids from the same neighborhoods where LeBron grew up. December 30, 1984, marks the birth of someone who proved that where you start does not determine where you finish.

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Did You Know?

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LeBron James was born December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to a 16 year old single mother living in poverty

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Sports Illustrated featured LeBron on the cover at age 17 with the headline the chosen one in 2002

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LeBron signed a $90 million Nike deal before playing a single NBA game, the largest rookie contract ever

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The I Promise School opened in 2018 provides free tuition to University of Akron for all graduates

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LeBron became the first active NBA player to achieve billionaire status in 2022 through business ventures

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His SpringHill media company was valued at $725 million producing films, shows, and documentaries

Frequently Asked Questions

LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. His mother Gloria James was just 16 years old and raised LeBron as a single mother in poverty. They moved frequently throughout his childhood, facing homelessness and instability until basketball provided structure and eventually a path out of poverty.