Sports

LeBron James

Raised by a 16-year-old single mother in Akron; a $90M endorsement before his first professional game.

LeBron James was born in 1984 in Akron, Ohio, US. LeBron James's background is described as Black American. Growing up, the family was in poverty — born to a 16-year-old single mother; frequent moves and missed school before living with a coach's family at nine. Raised by a 16-year-old single mother in Akron; a $90M endorsement before his first professional game.

Born: 1984 · Akron, Ohio, US
Roots: Black American
Family: Poverty; Born to a 16-year-old single mother; frequent moves and missed school before living with a coach's family at nine.
Education: St. Vincent–St. Mary High School (no college)
Started with: $90M Nike deal; Signed at 18, before his NBA debut.
Affiliations & societies: None documented.; Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.

The pathway

1993 · age 9
Moves in with a coach's family
After missing around 100 days of fourth grade amid frequent moves.
2002 · age 17
“The Chosen One”
Sports Illustrated cover while still in high school.
2003 · age 18
Nike deal before debut$90M
2003 · age 18
No. 1 draft pick
Straight from high school, to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.
2016 · age 31
Title for Cleveland
Ends the city's 52-year championship drought.
2018 · age 33
I Promise School
Opens a public school for at-risk children in Akron with his foundation.
2022 · age 37
Billionaire status$1B
Per Forbes, the first active NBA player to reach it.

Frequently asked questions

Where is LeBron James from?

LeBron James was born in 1984 in Akron, Ohio, US. Their background is described as Black American.

When was LeBron James born?

LeBron James was born in 1984, in Akron, Ohio, US.

What is LeBron James's background or ethnicity?

LeBron James's roots are described as Black American. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.

Where did LeBron James go to school?

LeBron James's education: St. Vincent–St. Mary High School (no college).

What was LeBron James's family background growing up?

At birth the family was in poverty. Born to a 16-year-old single mother; frequent moves and missed school before living with a coach's family at nine.

How did LeBron James get started?

LeBron James started with $90M Nike deal. Signed at 18, before his NBA debut.

Sources

Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.