Born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio, LeBron James showed an early talent for basketball and began to earn a reputation as a prodigy of the sport in high school. James was the first player picked (by the Cleveland Cavaliers) in the 2003 NBA draft. During the 2003-04 season, he became the first member of the Cavalier franchise and the youngest player (at age 20) to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award. James played on the 2004, 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic basketball teams,
CONTENTS
QUOTES"I made a difficult decision to leave Cleveland but I understood what my future was about ... I knew we had a bright future [in Miami]."
– LeBron James
winning a team bronze medal and two team golds overall. He has also achieved a number of NBA records, including becoming the youngest player to score 20,000 points at age 28, in January 2013.
High School Basketball StarLeBron James was born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio. At an early age, he showed a natural talent for basketball. James was recruited by St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to join their basketball team in 1999.
As a freshman, James averaged 18 points per game. He helped the team to a Division III state title by scoring 25 points in the championship game. Word of his advanced basketball skills spread, and James received several honors for his performance. As a high school sophomore, he was chosen for the USA Today All-USA First Team. James was the first sophomore ever selected for this award. He team also won the Division III state title for the second year in a row.
The following school year, James was named PARADE magazine's High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year. Sportswriters were comparing him to such legendary basketball stars as Michael Jordan. Following the end of his junior year, James was such a strong player that he contemplated going pro.
Deciding to finish his education, James had a tremendous senior year on the court. He averaged 31.6 points per game, helping his team clinch their third state title. The team also earned the top national ranking that year. Overall, James scored 2,657 points, 892 rebounds and 523 assists during his four years at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. He would soon emerge as one of the National Basketball Association's leading players.
Career with Cleveland CavaliersWith his impressive record, it was no surprise that James was the first player picked in the 2003 NBA draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers signed the powerful young forward, and he proved to be a valuable addition to the then-struggling franchise. The team had ended the previous season in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Around this time, James also signed several endorsement deals, including one with Nike for $90 million.
During the 2003-04 season, James made history, becoming the first member of the Cavalier franchise to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He also became the youngest NBA player (at only 20 years old) to receive this honor. Additionally, James, averaging 20 points per game at this time, became one of only three rookies to accomplish this feat, putting him in the same company as Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson.
CONTENTS
- Synopsis
- High School Basketball Star
- Career with Cleveland Cavaliers
- NBA Star
- Career with Miami Heat
- Personal Life
QUOTES"I made a difficult decision to leave Cleveland but I understood what my future was about ... I knew we had a bright future [in Miami]."
– LeBron James
winning a team bronze medal and two team golds overall. He has also achieved a number of NBA records, including becoming the youngest player to score 20,000 points at age 28, in January 2013.
High School Basketball StarLeBron James was born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio. At an early age, he showed a natural talent for basketball. James was recruited by St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to join their basketball team in 1999.
As a freshman, James averaged 18 points per game. He helped the team to a Division III state title by scoring 25 points in the championship game. Word of his advanced basketball skills spread, and James received several honors for his performance. As a high school sophomore, he was chosen for the USA Today All-USA First Team. James was the first sophomore ever selected for this award. He team also won the Division III state title for the second year in a row.
The following school year, James was named PARADE magazine's High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year. Sportswriters were comparing him to such legendary basketball stars as Michael Jordan. Following the end of his junior year, James was such a strong player that he contemplated going pro.
Deciding to finish his education, James had a tremendous senior year on the court. He averaged 31.6 points per game, helping his team clinch their third state title. The team also earned the top national ranking that year. Overall, James scored 2,657 points, 892 rebounds and 523 assists during his four years at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. He would soon emerge as one of the National Basketball Association's leading players.
Career with Cleveland CavaliersWith his impressive record, it was no surprise that James was the first player picked in the 2003 NBA draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers signed the powerful young forward, and he proved to be a valuable addition to the then-struggling franchise. The team had ended the previous season in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Around this time, James also signed several endorsement deals, including one with Nike for $90 million.
During the 2003-04 season, James made history, becoming the first member of the Cavalier franchise to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He also became the youngest NBA player (at only 20 years old) to receive this honor. Additionally, James, averaging 20 points per game at this time, became one of only three rookies to accomplish this feat, putting him in the same company as Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson.