In lieu of his 33rd birthday, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James took some time to reflect on his life and career after Saturday morning’s shootaround in Utah.
“I’m 33 years old and the way I grew up, not many guys make it past 18,” James told Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. “So I’m blessed to be in this position where I am today and I don’t take this moment for granted.”
James seemed to be in a jovial mood after Saturday morning’s practice. The three-time champion touched on his mom’s gift for birthday card selections.
“My mom is like the Hallmark wizard in our family,” James said with a raised brow. “She’s always been on time and on target with the cards.”
The Cavs superstar joked about his 18th birthday, then commented on turning 21. Despite his popularity — even at that time — he says nightclub bouncers simply wouldn’t let him inside.
“They were like, ‘Come on, bro, we know you’re not 21. We cannot let you in here and mess up our liquor license.’ So 21 was pretty cool, too, especially when I went to Vegas because I was playing USA Basketball so much. When I turned 21 and I went Vegas that summer and I was like, ‘I’m back,’ and I was so happy to show my card to ’em. I was like ‘BOW’ with my ID. I’m like, ‘I’m 21, let me up in here. I’m up in here.'”
Near the end of his media availability, LeBron James was asked if he owned a fake I.D. His response, albeit simple, will leave you with a smile.
“I ain’t never had one of those,” James said. “I wish. Who was I going to be?”
