Patrick Thompson - LeBron James: the Inspirational Story of One of the Greatest Basketball Players of All Time!

The Inspirational Story of One of the Greatest Basketball Players of All Time!

Patrick Thompson

Introduction

LeBron is one of the most recognizable sports figures in the world because of his remarkable athleticism and on-court brilliance. He dazzles sports fans with his flawless shots and powerful dunks. His dominance on the court is unlike any other. He has made and broken historic records in basketball and he continues to do so in more than 16 years of playing in the NBA. Even with a slew of new talents, LeBron still dominates.

The one thing the separates him from the other basketball superstars is his strong desire to win not just in basketball but in life. LeBrons off-court endeavors are as remarkable as his on-court performances. His incredible life story is a treasure trove of life lessons that inspire, motivate, and drive you to action.

This book paints LeBron James in a different light. Basketball is what made him a superstar, but it was his humble beginnings that shaped his ideas, moral values, and winning mindset. Knowing his story will make you see that he is more than just a basketball player chasing rings and winning ballgames.

Thanks for buying this book, I hope you enjoy it.

LeBron Raymone James always knew he was destined for greatness. The kid from Akron, Ohio had a rough start in life, being born to a teenage mother and an absent father. His difficult childhood didnt change his outlook in life. He was always optimistic and hopeful even when adversity followed him around like a shadow.

Born on December 30, 1984, to Gloria Marie James and Anthony McClelland, LeBron was already at a disadvantage early in life. Growing up in Akron exposed young LeBron to poverty and hardships. The difficulties were magnified by the absence of a father figure. His father had no interest in him and refused to be involved in his life. It proved to be a blessing in disguise because his father was in no position to take care of a child with his mounting criminal records.

Akron isnt exactly an ideal place for a single mother to raise a young son. The once-booming tire industry in the city crashed in the 1980s, creating a glaring economic disparity where the affluent got richer and the poor got poorer.

Lebron lived in the family-owned Victorian house near downtown Akron. Shortly after giving birth, his mother Gloria went back to school and left the child-rearing to Grandmother Freda. Unfortunately, Freda died of a heart attack when LeBron was just three years old. Things went on a downward spiral as the house fell into disrepair and bills started to pile up. It didnt take long for the eviction notice to come. The house was eventually torn down and Gloria and James were left to fend for themselves.

Being a teenage mom, Gloria had limited options. She had trouble finding jobs and when she found one, she had difficulty keeping the job. The lack of opportunity for a young mother forced the mother and son to move from one apartment to the next in the projects of Akron.

Over the next five years, they moved over a dozen times, which forced LeBron to change schools frequently. Because of the economic instability and the constant moving, LeBrons relationships and friendships were all fleeting. He became a transient student who could not form lasting relationships because he was always on the move wherever lifes circumstances take him.

Even at such a young age, he was rolling with the punches. Though difficult, he was able to adapt to the unusual lifestyle. His mother worked at nights and would sometimes not go home for a few days. Left to take care of himself, Lebron had feared that he would one day wake up and not see his mother at all.

When Lebron turned seven, he and his mother were on the brink of being evicted again from their one-bedroom apartment in the housing project. By some divine intervention, local football coach Bruce Keller invited LeBron to his youth football team called the East Dragons. It was not just an invitation to play an organized sport, but it was also an opportunity to have something stable; something structured, which LeBron sorely lacked in his life.

LeBron was far too serious for his young age. He never smiled and the hardships showed in his eyes. He was closed off because he never really had the chance to be around kids his age for a long stretch of time. Football changed all that. For the first time in his young life, he was having fun. He was a natural at the sport and he loved the interaction. He made friends and bonded with Frankie, the son of Coach Frank Walker, Sr.

LeBron ended up staying the night with the Walkers because he had nowhere else to go. That one night extended through to the entire school break. When Lebron turned nine, he moved in with the Walkers with Glorias blessing. She knew it was the best arrangement at that time because LeBron needed a permanent home so he could register for school. He had already missed most of the school year and he couldnt afford to miss the next year.

The Walkers decided to enroll LeBron at Portage Path Elementary together with their three kids. LeBron couldnt be a better kid in the Walker household. He was always helping out with the chores and staying out of trouble.

It was during his stay with the Walkers that LeBron learned to play basketball. The basketball net on the garage became a training ground for the young LeBron who developed a love for the game. Frank taught Frankie and LeBron the basics and soon moved on to more difficult dribbling drills and shooting layups with their left hands.

LeBron became frustrated when he couldnt shoot using his weak hand. However, he never complained. Instead, he practiced and practiced until basketball became second nature. Frank was impressed at LeBrons comprehension. Everything he taught him stuck in his young mind. He was like a sponge that absorbed everything he could learn.

While LeBron adapted to the new family set up, Gloria made sure that she remained part of the family dynamics. She would visit on weekends to spend quality time with LeBron. Whatever money she had, she made sure that LeBron got it. She made LeBron feel that she was always there for her. Despite the distance, their relationship never soured nor faltered. They had each and other and that was all that matters.

LeBron was on and off the Walker home until 2002, the year he turned 17. He was already a junior year student at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. With his prowess, he quickly became a basketball sensation. Tickets to his games were always sold out and had to be moved to bigger venues to accommodate more fans who were dazzled by LeBrons powerful dunks and Magic-like passing.

There was clamor for LeBron thats why ESPN aired his high school games nationally. In his national TV debut, he did not disappoint. He gave what people wanted because he was just that good. His transformation from a quiet young kid from Akron to basketball phenom was taking shape right before everyones eyes. There were people who doubted him, but he just kept playing and proving them wrong.

Despite the new-found fame, LeBrons feet were firmly planted on the ground. Even when he got a new apartment, which he shared with his mother, he still visited the Walkers. He would still look for Frank during his games because he still valued his presence. Frank will always be the father figure that LeBron looked up to.

Although Frank taught LeBron the fundamentals of basketball, it was Coach John Reed who taught him how to be a basketball player. He was the one who instilled in LeBron the team-first mentality. He had told every player in his team that if someone is open, they should pass the ball. It was the only way they could expand their game.