On December 30th, 1984, one of the greatest basketball players to ever dribble a basketball was born in Akron, Ohio: LeBron Raymone James.
Now known as “The King,” James’ ascent to the throne has been swift, but not without strife. Life was often tough for James growing up in Akron’s Springhill projects.
Gloria James gave birth to LeBron at the age of 16 and raised him on her own. During much of James’ childhood, the family endured poverty, street violence, and the rigors of a single-parent household. Despite moving several times and an unstable income, Gloria tried her best to shield her son from the harshness of the inner-city.
All things considered, Gloria did a fine job raising her son. In fact, James often speaks highly of his mother and the trials they faced throughout James’ childhood.
After this morning’s shootaround in Washington DC, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin asked James if he ever uses anything that is going on in his personal life as motivation to help enhance his performance. Joe Vardon of www.cleveland.com has video of the three-time NBA champion’s response in his recent article.
Uh, yea. My childhood,” James said. “I use it every day. I use it every day. Use it every day. Knowing where I came from. Knowing the obstacles I had to get by. You know, the circumstances where I come from. So, I just use it.”
Now, in his 14th NBA season, James is walking proof that it is possible to overcome childhood adversities if one remains focused on their ultimate goal.
