The New York Times Editorial Staff - LeBron James

LeBron James after an interview at the U.C.L.A. Health Training Center during Media Day for the Los Angeles Lakers, Sept. 24, 2018.

James was eligible to become a free agent in 2010, after seven years and two contracts with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He announced he would be taking his talents to the Miami Heat, in a move that upset many Clevelanders. Fans expressed disappointment and anger, but the most scathing reaction was perhaps an open letter written by the Cavaliers majority owner, Dan Gilbert, denouncing Jamess decision. Yet Jamess career soared with the Miami Heat. He won two Championship titles and, at 28 years old, became the youngest player in N.B.A. history to score 20,000 points, surpassing Kobe Bryant, who previously held the record at 29 years old.

After five seasons with the Miami Heat, LeBron James chose to become a free agent once again. This time, he returned to Cleveland, earning forgiveness from his previously angered fans. James cited his desire to bring a championship title to Cleveland, as well as to invest in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, as reasons for his return in an emotional but understated press conference. LeBrons presence in Cleveland bolstered the economy and overall morale. James made the choice out of a deepening connection to his roots and a desire to have a positive impact on the area in which he grew up. In 2016, during his second season back with the Cavaliers, James succeeded in winning the championship title.

In 2018, James became a free agent yet again. This time, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers. The move garnered mixed reactions. On the one hand, Jamess exiting Cleveland did not spark the anger it had in 2010. Critics instead focused on whether or not James was title-hungry, but James addressed this in press interviews and allayed their judgment. He expressed a desire to grow with the Lakers as a team rather than as a title-seeker.

James has largely avoided controversy throughout his career. But since the 2016 presidential election, James has participated in online banter aimed at President Donald J. Trump. Prior to the election, James endorsed Secretary Hillary Clinton for office, stating that she was the candidate who could understand the struggle of children growing up as he did, in communities with little resources and support. Since President Trump entered office, James has taken offense at several of the presidents comments, deeming them racist. He and the president interacted via Twitter, and the negative feelings appeared to be mutual.

James himself is taking action to provide support for children growing up in his hometown. In 2018, James opened an elementary school in his hometown of Akron and continued to be invested in the activities of the LeBron James Family foundation. The I Promise School is a revolutionary public elementary and secondary school, catering to students with test scores below grade level. The school offers wraparound services to students and their families, such as food pantries and eyeglasses, to ensure that students are able to succeed in the classroom. LeBron Jamess charitable activities have come to define his character in the public eye.

CHAPTER 1

The Chosen One

LeBron Jamess career rests on the foundation of his childhood and adolescence in Akron, Ohio. He attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where he quickly became a basketball star, leading his team to two Division III State Championship titles. His high school nickname, King James, would follow him throughout his career. After landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated prior to his senior year, James also became known as The Chosen One, the player who would usher in a new All-Star era. Despite controversy over a potential OHSAA violation, James handled the media attention with grace and maturity.

Its Decisions, Decisions for LeBron James