By: Connor Coleman

LeBron

James

LeBron James was born December 30, 1984. He was born in Akron, Ohio. Life was not always easy for LeBron growing up. His father was an ex-con and was not interested in being a parent. His mother, Gloria, worked very hard to provide for LeBron.

Gloria had many jobs. LeBron moved from apartment to apartment as a little boy. Gloria tried hard to protect LeBron from the poverty of the streets. She also made bad choices with boyfriends. LeBron lived in a lot of neighborhoods around Akron.

The stress of LeBron’s unstable childhood began to effect him. This was noticed when he entered elementary school. He did not make friends easily. He also had difficulty focusing on his school work. He learned to deal with his troubles by playing sports. His favorite were basketball and football.

LeBron quickly developed into a spectacular athlete. He had natural speed, quickness, and strength. His hero was Michael Jordan. LeBron used Michael Jordan as an idol.

LeBron’s football coach Frankie Walker became the stable father figure he needed. LeBron moved in with Walker and his family. This gave him the structure he needed. This new home was good for LeBron. In the fifth grade LeBron won the attendance award.

LeBron entered St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. This school is in downtown Akron. He was nicknamed “King James” at this school. LeBron was also named “Mr.Basketball” in Ohio three times. In 2003 he was named Naismith Prep Player of the Year.

While still in high school LeBron was promoted by the national media as a future NBA player. When 18 years old he was selected as the number one pick in the 2003 NBA draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him. He also signed a $90 million dollar contract with Nike.

LeBron was named Rookie of the Year

LeBron averaged 20.9 points a game

Cavaliers finished the season 35-47

2003-2004 NBA Season

LeBron was selected to his first All-Star game

The youngest player to record a triple-double

The youngest player to score 50 points in a game

2004-2005 NBA season

LeBron lead his team to the playoffs

Got a triple-double in his first playoff game

Finished second in MVP voting

2005-2006 NBA Season

LeBron makes it to NBA finals

In one playoff game he scored 25 points in overtime

Cavaliers lost to the Spurs

2006-2007 NBA Season

Scored 10,000th point

Set Cavalier all time scoring record

Did not make the finals this season

2007-2008 NBA Season

Named to All-Defensive Team

LeBron was named NBA MVP

Averaged 32 points per game in the playoffs

2008-2009 NBA Season

LeBron James continues to make history as an outstanding athlete. I chose LeBron because he is one of the best basketball players of all time. He inspires me to try my hardest in everything I do.

Morgan,David Lee. The Rise of a Star LeBron James. Cleveland: Grey and Company,2003.

LeBron James- Biography. http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/James_bio.html

LeBron James. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron -James

Bibliography