Selling out is the new black in the NBA, but someone like LeBron James would have an epiphany and decide to challenge the status quo and get his hometown a ring.
Growing up, James didn’t have it easy. It’s safe to say young James wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Ever since he was nine years old, an ardent desire has led King James to where he is now.
When high school came around, James far exceeded everyone’s expectations. He led his high school team, the Fighting Irish, to nothing but greatness; finishing the season with a record of 27-0 and winning the Division III state title. Shortly after, he was sponsored in national media as a future NBA superstar.
Upon graduation, at the age of 19, James was selected with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. His life was changing right before his eyes—it could only get better from here on.
Working hard toward his goal, James finally took the Cavaliers to the 2007 NBA finals. Heartbroken and defeated after the San Antonio Spurs sent the team back home, LeBron James and his team continued working toward the big NBA championship. Backing down wasn’t an option.
In 2010, the Cavaliers failed to win a championship again. Later that year, James became a free agent, and on July 8, 2010, he announced on a live ESPN special titled “The Decision” that he would sign with the Miami Heat. This was a decision that impacted both his career and his fans immensely.
James drew criticism from sports analysts, former players, and fans, of course, for leaving the Cavaliers. Even so, he stood his ground and proudly said “I’ve decided to take my talents to South Beach.” It was an honor for Miami to have him as team player.
The amount of pressure and criticism he dealt with was far beyond belief, but he still managed to come back stronger in 2012 and once and for all claim his title. The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On July 11, 2015, he revealed in Sports Illustrated that he intended to rejoin the Cavaliers. It was then when he decided to challenge the quo and get his hometown the ring it so desperately desired. In June 2016, James faithfully brought the ring home. The Cavaliers had their first championship in NBA history.
James has been ranked by Forbes as one of the world’s most influential athletes throughout his career. The NBA superstar has partnered with the University of Akron, Ohio to provide kids with troubled backgrounds a guaranteed four-year scholarship. James told ESPN he plans to send 1,100 kids to college, which will cost him and his foundation a total of $41.8 million. Hats off to King James.
