LeBron James facts for kids
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James with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022
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| No. 23 – Los Angeles Lakers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Small forward / power forward | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | December 30, 1984 Akron, Ohio, U.S. |
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| High school | St. Vincent–St. Mary (Akron, Ohio) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 250 lb (113 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NBA Draft | 2003 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro career | 2003–present | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| League | NBA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003–2010 | Cleveland Cavaliers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2010–2014 | Miami Heat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014–2018 | Cleveland Cavaliers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018–present | Los Angeles Lakers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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LeBron Raymone James Sr. (born December 30, 1984) is an American professional basketball player. He plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Many people call him "King James" because he is one of the greatest basketball players ever. Some even compare him to Michael Jordan!
LeBron has played in 10 NBA Finals and won four NBA championships. He also won the first-ever NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers. As part of the U.S. national team, he has won three Olympic gold medals. He was even named the Olympics MVP at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
LeBron James is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. He is also fourth in career assists. He has won four Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards and four Finals MVP Awards. He has been an All-Star a record 20 times! LeBron is known for playing well for a very long time. He is currently the oldest player in the NBA. In 2025, LeBron James was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Contents
- LeBron's Early Life and School Basketball
- LeBron's Professional Basketball Journey
- Playing for the National Team
- LeBron's Player Profile
- LeBron's Legacy in Basketball
- LeBron's Life Off the Court
- LeBron's Activism and Charity Work
- LeBron as a Media Figure and Businessman
- Famous Quotes from LeBron James
- Fun Facts About LeBron James
- LeBron James's Awards and Honors
- Images for kids
- See also
LeBron's Early Life and School Basketball
LeBron James was born in Akron, Ohio, on December 30, 1984. His mother, Gloria Marie James, raised him by herself. When he was nine, he moved in with a local youth football coach, Frank Walker. Frank introduced LeBron to basketball.
LeBron started playing organized basketball in fifth grade. He played for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Later, he played both basketball and football at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School.
High School Basketball Success
As a freshman, LeBron was already 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall. He averaged 21 points and 6 rebounds per game for his high school team. His team, the Fighting Irish, had a perfect season with no losses. By his sophomore year, college and NBA scouts were coming to watch him play.
Before his junior year, LeBron grew to 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). A writer for Slam magazine called him "possibly the best high school basketball player in America." He even appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which was a big deal for a high school student.
In his senior year, LeBron and his team traveled across the country to play against other top teams. TV networks wanted to show his games. During this time, he faced some challenges for accepting gifts, but he was allowed to keep playing.
High School Football Talent
LeBron also played wide receiver on his high school football team. Some top college football programs, like Notre Dame, wanted him to play for them. He stopped playing football in his senior year after a wrist injury from a basketball game.
LeBron's Professional Basketball Journey
LeBron's professional career began when his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, chose him as the very first pick in the 2003 NBA draft. He started playing great right away and won many awards.
Playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010)
LeBron quickly became a superstar with the Cavaliers. At the end of his first season, the 2003-04 NBA season, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He was the first Cavaliers player to ever win it.
In the 2006–07 NBA season, some people thought LeBron wasn't playing as hard. But he worked to improve, and in the 2007–08 season, he was named All-Star Game MVP for the second time.
From 2008 to 2010, LeBron continued to play very well. He led his team to the 2009 NBA playoffs. In February of the 2009–10 season, he even played point guard because other players were injured. His team still had the best record in the league that season.
Joining the Miami Heat (2010–2014)
In 2010, LeBron became a free agent, meaning he could choose any team. On a live TV show, he announced he would join the Miami Heat. Two other great players, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, also decided to join the Heat. They were called the "big three."
Many fans and experts were upset when LeBron left the Cavaliers. Some people didn't like him because of how he left.
From 2011 to 2013, the Heat won two championships in a row. LeBron worked hard to improve his game, especially his post up moves (playing close to the basket). He also decided to focus on enjoying the game more.
In the 2013–2014 season, LeBron led the Heat to the finals again. But they didn't win that year. It was his last season with the Miami Heat.
Returning to the Cavaliers (2014–2018)
In 2014, LeBron decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Soon after, the Cavaliers also added Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to the team.
In 2015, LeBron missed some games due to injuries. This was the longest he had ever been out. But he still led his team to the Conference Finals. In 2016, he led the Cavaliers to win the NBA Finals!
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The 2016–17 season had some challenges for the Cavaliers. Despite this, LeBron led them to the Finals, but they lost. Before the 2017–18 season, Kyrie Irving asked to be traded because he didn't want to play with LeBron anymore. LeBron still led his team to the Finals, but they were defeated.
Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers (2018–Present)
In 2018, LeBron left the Cavaliers again and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. People expected him to lead the Lakers to the playoffs right away. However, LeBron got a groin injury, his first big injury. He missed 17 games, and the team didn't make the playoffs that year.
For the next season, the Lakers hired a new coach, Frank Vogel, and traded for Anthony Davis. LeBron started playing more as a point guard and focused more on defense. With LeBron's leadership, the Lakers played very well. They reached the 2020 NBA Finals and beat LeBron's old team, the Heat, in six games.
The 2020–21 season was shorter because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with injuries, the Lakers made the 2021 NBA playoffs but lost.
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In the 2021–22 season, LeBron continued to set amazing records. He became the second player ever (after Michael Jordan) to score 40 points with no turnovers at age 35 or older. He also became the oldest player to average over 25 points per game. The Lakers did not make the playoffs that year.
On August 18, 2022, LeBron signed a new contract with the Lakers. This made him the highest-paid player in NBA history. On July 6, 2024, he re-signed with the Lakers again. Two weeks before, his son Bronny was drafted by the Lakers. This was the first time a father and son played in the NBA at the same time!
LeBron continues to break records. In January 2025, he passed Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games in NBA history. He also became the second NBA player to get a triple-double (scoring, rebounding, and assisting in double digits) at age 40 or older. On March 4, 2025, LeBron passed 50,000 career points across regular season and playoff games.
Playing for the National Team
LeBron first played for the U.S. national team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. The team won a bronze medal that year.
At the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, LeBron helped his team win another bronze medal. Team leaders told LeBron he needed to improve his attitude to play on the 2008 Olympic team. He listened, and Team USA went on to win the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.
LeBron did not play in the 2010 FIBA World Championship. But he rejoined Team USA for the 2012 Olympics in London, England. Team USA won their second gold medal in a row.
After 12 years, LeBron rejoined the national team for the 2024 Olympic squad in Paris. At 39 years old, he was chosen as one of the two flag-bearers for the opening ceremony. He led the team in rebounds and assists. He made history by becoming the first player in Olympic history with two triple-doubles. Team USA won their fifth straight gold medal, beating France in the final game. LeBron became the third male basketball player to win three Olympic gold medals.
LeBron's Player Profile
LeBron is 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) tall and weighs 250 pounds (110 kg). He mostly plays small forward and power forward. But he can play other positions too. For many years, experts like ESPN and Sports Illustrated ranked him as the best player in the NBA.
Offensive Skills
As a rookie, LeBron was the top scorer for the Cavaliers. He holds many "youngest to" records in scoring. His mix of speed, quickness, and size makes it hard for other teams to guard him. He can run past bigger players and overpower smaller ones.
When he played in Miami, his coach helped him improve his shooting and play closer to the basket. This made him even better at making shots. For most of his career, LeBron has been the main player who handles the ball and sets up plays for his team. He is known for his amazing passing skills.
Defensive Skills
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At first, LeBron wasn't known for his defense. But he worked hard and got much better. In Miami, he became a strong defensive player. He was good enough to guard any player on the other team, no matter their position.
Later in his career, some people thought his defense wasn't as strong, possibly due to age or less effort. However, he often played much better defense in the playoffs. Fans sometimes call this "Playoff LeBron."
LeBron's Legacy in Basketball
LeBron left high school as one of the most talked-about basketball players ever. He made a huge impact in the NBA right away, winning Rookie of the Year. He has been named to the All-NBA Team 18 times, including 13 times to the First Team, which are both NBA records. He has won four MVP awards and four Finals MVP Awards. He also earned All-Defensive honors for six seasons. He has played in 10 NBA Finals.
LeBron is always ranked among the best basketball players in history. The Associated Press named him the Male Athlete of the Decade for the 2010s. He is often compared to Michael Jordan. LeBron has said he wants to play basketball into his forties, maybe even with or against his sons, Bronny and Bryce.
LeBron's Life Off the Court
Family Life
LeBron married his high school sweetheart, Savannah James, on September 14, 2013. They have three children: two sons, Bronny and Bryce, and a daughter, Zhuri. LeBron owns homes in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
LeBron spends a lot of money on his health. He pays for personal chefs and athletic trainers. He also gets physical therapies to help his body recover. He has a strict exercise plan. His best friends in the NBA are Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade.
Public Image and Influence
By 2015, many people, including other NBA players, saw LeBron as the "face of the NBA." Because he is such a great player, people who make important decisions in the league listen to his ideas. In 2015, he was elected the first vice president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
LeBron is known as one of the world's most influential athletes and people. He has received a lot of attention and money. Many fans buy sports items with his name on them.
LeBron's Activism and Charity Work
LeBron supports many non-profit organizations like After-School All-Stars and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He also has his own charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation, in Akron. In 2016, he gave $2.5 million to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture to help with an exhibit about Muhammad Ali.
LeBron has spoken out on important issues. He has said that "being black in America is tough" and that society needs to do more for African Americans to feel equal. He has also supported Democratic presidential campaigns. In 2022, he spoke against the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
Helping His Hometown of Akron
LeBron has started many public and charity projects in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, through his LeBron James Family Foundation:
- I Promise School: A special school for at-risk children.
- I Promise Institute at the University of Akron: Helps students go to college.
- I Promise Village: A housing complex for families.
- House Three-Thirty: A community center and shopping area.
- I Promise Health Quarters: A medical center.
LeBron as a Media Figure and Businessman
Endorsements and Businesses
LeBron has signed many deals with big companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's. When Apple bought Beats Electronics in 2014, LeBron made over $30 million from his deal with Beats. In 2011, he helped start a clothing store called UNKNWN in Miami.
Entertainment Projects
LeBron has appeared in movies and TV shows. He and his business partner, Maverick Carter, own a production company called SpringHill Entertainment. Their first project was a documentary called More Than a Game, which was about LeBron's high school years. They have produced TV shows like The Wall and Survivor's Remorse.
In 2022, it was announced that LeBron, Maverick Carter, and tennis player Naomi Osaka were starting a new media company called Hana Kuma.
Investments
In 2012, LeBron invested in a fast-casual pizza chain called Blaze Pizza. He later became a spokesperson for the company.
In 2019, LeBron tried to trademark the phrase "Taco Tuesday" for his entertainment projects. However, the request was denied because it's a common phrase.
Famous Quotes from LeBron James
- “I like criticism. It makes you strong.”
- “You can’t be afraid to fail. It’s the only way you succeed. You’re not gonna succeed all the time and I know that.”
- "I treated it like every day was my last day with a basketball.”
- "Commitment is a big part of what I am and what I believe. How committed are you to winning?"
Fun Facts About LeBron James
- LeBron loves cartoons! His favorites are "Tom & Jerry" and "Spongebob Squarepants".
- Earth Science was his favorite subject in school.
- His first slam dunk in a game was in 8th grade during a teachers vs. students basketball game.
- Michael Jordan noticed LeBron when he was in high school and invited him to play in basketball games in Chicago.
- LeBron's second son, Bryce Maximus, was born during his first trip to the NBA Finals in 2007.
- LeBron James and Michael Jordan are the only players to win a regular season MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medal in the same year.
- LeBron writes and eats with his left hand, but he shoots a basketball with his right hand.
LeBron James's Awards and Honors
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LeBron James has won many awards and honors throughout his career. Here are some of the most important ones:
- 4-time NBA champion: 2012, 2013, 2016, 2020
- 4-time NBA Finals MVP: 2012, 2013, 2016, 2020
- 4-time NBA Most Valuable Player: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
- 21-time NBA All-Star (a record!)
- 3-time NBA All-Star Game MVP
- 20-time All-NBA selection (13 times on the First Team)
- 6-time NBA All-Defensive selection
- NBA Rookie of the Year: 2004
- NBA scoring leader: 2008
- NBA assists leader: 2020
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
- NBA Cup winner and MVP: 2023
He has also won many international and personal awards:
- 3-time Olympic Gold Medal winner: 2008, 2012, 2024
- 2004 Olympic Bronze Medal winner
- FIBA Men's Olympics Most Valuable Player: 2024
- 2006 FIBA World Championship Bronze Medal winner
- AP Athlete of the Decade (2010s)
- 4-time AP Athlete of the Year
- 3-time Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025 (as part of the 2008 "Redeem Team")
- Co-flag bearer for the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony
His high school, St. Vincent–St. Mary, retired his No. 23 jersey and named their home basketball court The LeBron James Arena.
Images for kids
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James with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022
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James picks up his dribble against Caron Butler of the Washington Wizards in November 2006.
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James and DeShawn Stevenson in April 2008.
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James protects the ball from Kyrie Irving in October 2017.
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James posterizing former Cleveland teammate Kevin Love in a game against the Cavaliers on March 21, 2022.
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James defending against Joe Harris in February 2018
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James, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Dwyane Wade tape a public service announcement in January 2014
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James (center) celebrates during the Heat's 2012 championship parade.
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LeBron James at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game
See also
In Spanish: LeBron James para niños
