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Top 25 Unbelievable Facts about LeBron James

*Originally published by Diana K on April 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R on May 2023 and Updated by Ian. S on January 2024 and May 2024

LeBron Raymone James Sr. (born December 30, 1984) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Nicknamed “King James”, he is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history and is often compared to Michael Jordan in debates over the greatest basketball player ever.

LeBron James is in his mid-thirties but shows no sign of slowing down. He is still the same beast on the court as he was during his 20s.

James is signed through the 2022-23 NBA season, during which he will earn $44.5 million. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2023, at age 38, after his 20th season. 

Currently, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, he is averaging 30.1 points and 6.3 rebounds. He is showing no sign of ageing.

LeBron’s journey has been a roller coaster ride which has been a delight to watch. He is a great basketball player, but there are things about his life that are not known to a lot of people.

Below are 25 interesting facts about LeBron James.

1. Lebron James is Ambidextrous

Photo by Keith Allison –

James shoots primarily with his right hand but he is ambidextrous so can also shoot lefty.

However, James only uses his left hand when he needs to, otherwise, he shoots righty.

It’s possible that no athlete has stood in a brighter spotlight from such a young age as LeBron James.

Born in Akron, James was a multi-sport star as a kid. Eventually, he became just the second of three NBA players to be drafted No. 1 overall straight out of high school (and the only one to go on to win Rookie of the Year).

But even if you’ve followed his career from Cleveland to Miami (back to Cleveland) to L.A., you might not know these 11 details from the story of King James.

Ambidexterity, the ability to use both hands with near-equal dexterity, is one of the best skills to have as an NBA player. 

Legends such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Larry Bird, among others, are known for being ambidextrous on the court

2. LeBron James was a Talented Football Player

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James was a very good high school football player. He played just two seasons at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School but was named an All-Ohio wide receiver twice in those two seasons.

Gloria James (LeBron鈥檚 mom) was 16 when she had her only child. When Gloria’s mother died just a couple of years later, she and baby LeBron lost their entire support system.

They spent six or so years bouncing around between couches and apartments in Akron’s projects.

Then, when he was 9 years old, he met Bruce Kelker, who was putting together a youth football team. Kelker took LeBron under his wing and the James’s moved in with him so that young LeBron would begin to have some stability.

By the end of that year, another youth football coach, Frank Walker, offered to let LeBron move in with his family.

After missing 80-something days of the fourth grade because of their chaotic living arrangements, LeBron didn’t miss a single day of fifth grade

LeBron James was not only a basketball star in high school but also rocked the football field. He was an All-State receiver in high school.

However, he once broke his finger in a football match. He then decided to avoid football so that he could protect his basketball career.

3. Lebron and the Hummer Controversy

LeBron was gifted a Hummer H2 by his mother on his 18th birthday. Hummer had a lot of amazing things in it like three television sets and a gaming system.

This gift was strange because they were not that rich during that time. So there arose a controversy that the Hummer was given to Lebron’s mother by NBA agents for his signature.

However, it was not illegal as he was not studying in college. Had he been in college, it would have been illegal and would have landed in trouble.

4. Lebron James was the First Black Man on the Cover of Vogue Magazine

Photo by Eric Drost – Wikimedia

Only two men had ever made a Vogue cover before LeBron did it in April 2008: Richard Gere and George Clooney.

In the pose, LeBron has Gisele in one hand and a basketball in the other. LeBron is dressed in basketball gear, with his muscles flexing, tattoos showing and bared teeth.

Gisele, on the other hand, is wearing a gorgeous slim-fitting dress and smiling.

But the image is stirred up controversy, with some commentators decrying the photo as perpetuating racial stereotypes.

James strikes what some see as a gorilla-like pose, baring his teeth, with one hand dribbling a ball and the other around Bundchen鈥檚 tiny waist.

Maybe the point was to show the contrast between brawn and beauty, masculinity versus femininity, strength versus grace.

But Vogue’s quest to highlight the differences between superstar athletes and supermodels only successfully reinforces the animalistic stereotypes frequently associated with black athletes.

5. LeBron James Married his High School Sweetheart

LeBron married his high-school girlfriend, they have sired 3 children and is a great father to them.

These qualities make him a great human and a great example for everyone.

Savannah Brinson might have attended LeBron’s rival high school, but when the senior sports star spotted the junior cheerleader, he asked her out.

The two have been an item ever since, even after LeBron’s fame shot off the charts; they married in 2013 and have three children.  

“I just thought he’d be a hometown hero for his era and it would be over,” Savannah said.

LeBron, for his part, appreciates their shared history. “[Savannah] was down when I was at my high school, no cameras, no lights. And she was there with me,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018. “You wouldn’t be talking to me right now if it weren’t for her.”

There have never been rumours about his link-ups with female celebrities or other women. He has been faithful to the first love of his life.

6. Lebron Was not the Highest-Paid Player Till he Reached 31 Years

Photo by Keith Allison-

James was the NBA’s highest-paid player overall in the 2016-17 season, but he played a dozen years of the professional ball before even being the highest earner on his own roster.

He was surrounded by a number of league veterans during his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including an ageing and injury-wracked Shaquille O’Neal and James famously agreed to take less than his full market value in order to form a super-team with the Miami Heat in 2010.

He hit the top of pay grade during his second go-around with the Cavaliers, and his new four-year deal with the Lakers puts him on track to be the highest-paid player ever.

7.  Lebron Never Met the Father

Photo by Richard Giles –

LeBron James’ mother was 16 years old when she gave birth to him. He never met his biological father, though.

His biological father did not want to raise him, and it was only his mother who took care of LeBron.

His surrogate father, on the other hand, spent three years in jail for cocaine trafficking and other crimes.

So, it is fair to say that LeBron grew up without a father and knows the importance of a father in the life of a kid.

He is a great father himself and never let his kids face the same.

8. LeBron James has a stake in Liverpool FC

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Liverpool FC is quite a famous club in the English Premier League. Not many know that LeBron James owns stakes in this English Soccer Club.

In 2011 LeBron James then playing for Cleveland Cavaliers bought a 2% stake in Liverpool FC for approximately $6.5 million.

According to sports investment bankers, by 2018 Liverpool could be sold for $1.6 billion and that was a conservative estimate.

Using that estimate, James’ stake was worth $32 million in just seven years after the acquisition.

According to data from Forbes, in 2020, Liverpool is valued at $4.1 billion and generates annual revenue of around $619 million (based on figures for the 2019/20 season).

That means that James’ stake in the club is now worth around $44 million.

9. LeBron Donated to the Obama Presidential Campaign Kitty

Photo Courtesy of The White House –

Michael Jordan鈥檚 famous words 鈥淩epublicans buy sneakers too,鈥� show that athletes do think about politics in advertising and when they speak publicly.

For a long time now, LeBron James has tried to stay out of the spotlight when it comes to politics.  

Although James has been shining bright in the media ever since entering the league, he has been rather dull when it comes to his affiliations with politics and other support groups.

On the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, according to Federal Election Commission records.

In June 2008, the Cavaliers star donated $20,000 to the Democratic White House Victory Fund, a joint committee set up by Obama and the Democratic Party for the presidential race.

He has kept his political beliefs public and has been an active Democrat.

10. Petitioned NBA to Allow him to Enter the Draft While Still in High School

Bronny James playing with his father (LeBron James) AAU team Strive For Greatness Photo by Foxlifevisuals –

LeBron James was ever ready for the NBA draft even before graduating high school.

At age 16, he was better than a lot of players older than him. After he completed his third year in high school, he petitioned the NBA to allow him to enter the draft.

However, the NBA did not allow that to happen, and he had to complete one more year and graduate high school to enter the draft.

11. LeBron was the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft

James was the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron entered the league with enormous expectations and quickly lived up to the hype.

His remarkable skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ were evident from the start, making an immediate impact on the Cavaliers and the entire NBA.

LeBron’s selection as the first overall pick marked the beginning of a historic career that would see him become one of the greatest and most influential basketball players in the history of the sport.

12. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2004

He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2004. As the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, LeBron made an immediate impact with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

His exceptional performance during his rookie season showcased his extraordinary talent, versatility, and basketball IQ. LeBron’s Rookie of the Year recognition set the stage for an illustrious career, foreshadowing his future achievements and establishing him as one of the most promising young talents in the history of the NBA.

This award marked the beginning of LeBron’s journey to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

13. He is a Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP)

LeBron received this prestigious award for his outstanding individual performances during the regular seasons of the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2012-2013 NBA seasons.

His multiple MVP awards underscore his consistent dominance on the basketball court and his ability to impact the game in various facets.

LeBron’s MVP honors contribute significantly to his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the NBA, showcasing his skill, versatility, and enduring excellence over an extended period.

14. LeBron James is a four-time NBA champion

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LeBron achieved this remarkable feat by winning NBA championships with different teams. He secured titles while in Miami with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

His ability to lead teams to championships across various franchises underscores his unparalleled talent and influence on the game.

LeBron’s consistent excellence and leadership on the court have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, with his championship victories spanning different eras and team dynamics.

15. James has earned NBA Finals MVP honors four times

LeBron showcased his exceptional skills and leadership during the NBA Finals by contributing significantly to his team’s success.

He won the NBA Finals MVP awards for his performances in the championship series with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

LeBron’s ability to deliver exceptional performances on the grandest stage, coupled with his versatility and impact, has solidified his status as one of the greatest players in NBA Finals history.

16. He won gold medals with Team USA at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics

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As a key player on the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team, LeBron contributed to their success in both Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

His exceptional skills and leadership played a crucial role in securing gold medals for Team USA in basketball.

These Olympic triumphs added to LeBron’s extensive list of achievements, highlighting his prowess on the international stage and reinforcing his status as one of the greatest basketball players in the world.

17. LeBron starred in the 2021 film “Space Jam: A New Legacy”

James starred in the 2021 film “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” Following in the footsteps of basketball legend Michael Jordan, LeBron took on the lead role in this live-action/animated sports comedy film.

Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the movie featured LeBron teaming up with the Looney Tunes characters for a high-stakes basketball game. “Space Jam: A New Legacy” continued the legacy of the original “Space Jam” film, blending animation with live-action elements and showcasing LeBron’s crossover into the world of entertainment, further solidifying his status as a global icon both on and off the basketball court.

18. James is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history

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On an individual level, LeBron James holds the record all-time leading scorer in NBA history and stands at the fourth position in career assists. With a total of 39,566 points, he achieved this remarkable feat in 1,458 games as of January 2024.

19. He won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament in 2023 with the Lakers

James and the Lakers secured victory in the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament on December 9, 2023, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123鈥�109. James not only played a pivotal role in the team’s success but also earned the Tournament MVP award.

Additionally, he was chosen for the All-Tournament team, further emphasizing his exceptional contributions during the tournament.

20. He is the oldest player in the NBA as of January 2024

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Recognized for his enduring career, as of January 2024, LeBron James holds the distinction of being the NBA’s eldest player. Starting the 2023鈥�24 season, James claimed the title of the league’s oldest player, succeeding Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala, who had both retired.

21. His  Moniker ‘King James ‘ began in high school

Truly, the “King James” moniker bestowed upon LeBron in his high school days proved prophetic. A sportswriter’s christening, invoking basketball royalty, foreshadowed greatness to come. 

And my, how the crown rests easily on that kinetic king’s brow today. Multitudes of scoring titles, MVPs, and championships make plain that lofty teenage billing. 

LeBron’s once-youthful potential is fully realized through a relentless blend of physical prowess and cerebral mastery of his craft. A generational talent who not only met the hype but soared far beyond it.

22. His football coach made it possible for him to discover his basketball talent

Photo by on

It took a fateful footrace for LeBron James’ life to change direction. As a 9-year-old kid, he outran everyone by a massive 15 yards, catching the eye of coach Brian Kelker. Impressed by LeBron’s raw athleticism, Kelker recruited him for his youth football team, the East Dragons.

This simple act set events into motion that allowed the future King to discover his true calling – basketball. Under Kelker’s guidance, LeBron unlocked his immense talents on the hardwood. The coach became a mentor, providing structure amidst LeBron’s chaotic childhood.

Without Kelker’s intervention, who knows if we’d ever witness LeBron’s legendary NBA exploits? From a humble footrace to global superstardom, it all started with one man believing in a gifted kid’s potential.

23. LeBron’s Childhood was spent big time without a permanent home

Who would’ve thought that the kid constantly relocating, crashing on couches with no permanent roof over his head, would become basketball royalty?

LeBron James’ early years were marked by unstable living conditions that saw him and his mom bouncing between friends’ apartments every few months. For two-thirds of his childhood, they depended on the kindness of others for a place to stay.

Yet through this nomadic existence, the seeds of greatness took root. Lacking a real home didn’t deter LeBron’s drive, but fueled an inner fire to rise above his circumstances. That tenacity, coupled with once-in-a-generation talent, propelled him from a couch-surfing adolescent to a global icon. 

24. He was featured on the Sports Illustrated Cover while still a High School Junior

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Twenty-two years later, that audacious Sports Illustrated cover line rings prophetic – “The Chosen One” indeed delivered on his tantalizing promise.

A lone 17-year-old LeBron arrived for that fateful shoot, sans entourage, exuding a maturity well beyond his years. Just a basketball phenom from Akron ready to be anointed the game’s next king.

The boldness of that cover, crowning a mere high schooler Michael’s heir apparent, was matched only by LeBron’s preternatural talents. From that daring proclamation blossomed an iconic career, championships, and immortal glory.

A newly-minted legend validating the hubris of those four world-shifting words – The Chosen One – through sustained excellence on basketball’s biggest stage. The cover didn’t make the man, but it foreshadowed his inexorable ascension to greatness.

25. James has a lifetime deal with Nike that is worth over $1 billion

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Being one of the GOATs comes with a king’s ransom. LeBron’s lifetime billion-dollar deal with Nike is the stuff of legend. Back in 2003 as an 18-year-old phenom, the swoosh outmaneuvered Reebok and Adidas to lock down their chosen one with an $87 million contract.

But that was merely an opening salvo. As LeBron’s iconic career soared from Cleveland to Miami and back, turning him into a global icon, Nike went all in – securing their marquee asset with an unprecedented lifetime pact worth a cool billion in 2015.

A number befitting basketball’s reigning monarch and one of the most famous athletes on earth. From teenage prodigy to billionaire brand, LeBron’s journey mirrored his soaring worth. He didn’t just sign deals, he commanded a king’s ransom from the house that Michael Jordan built.

Did you know, that LeBron James Sr. once admitted that he may have made a mistake in naming his firstborn son after himself?

The pressure that comes with being LeBron James Jr. could be knee-buckling, but “Bronny” has thrived on the come-up and is emerging as the next big thing.

But his protective father, who certainly remembers a thing or two about being endlessly hyped as a teen and is keeping a close eye on his son.

Bronny is an American high school basketball player who attends the University of Southern California. He is the eldest child of professional basketball player LeBron James.

You bet LeBron will be happy to spot kids in Bronny gear.

Is LeBron James better than Michael Jordan?

1. Who is better at shooting? 

Jordan has a tiny advantage over LeBron, who has a career shooting percentage of 47.9% from the field compared to Jordan’s 49.7%. James and Jordan both shot just below 33 percent from outside, which doesn’t make either of them particularly effective outside shooters. If you’ve ever watched the two and their shooting skills you’d be able to know who is better, some would argue that LeBron’s shooting usually seems flawless but what would you say?

2. When it comes to passing

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Jordan was well-known for his incredible scoring skills, but he was also very good at passing.   He could pass to his teammates with pinpoint accuracy because he had excellent court vision. In addition to being excellent at bounce passes and alley-oops, Jordan’s passing style was usually known by his speed.

One of the top passers in the game right now is LeBron James, who is also a highly gifted passer. Being able to read the defence and execute quick, precise passes to his teammates best describes his passing style. James is well-known for his ability to open up scoring opportunities for his teammates by making no-look, bounce, and underpass passes that are pretty good.

3. Between the two who handles the ball better?

Anyone that crossed up with Michael Jordan will tell you that he had some fairly good handles, but LeBron James’ ball handling skills are also pretty wow! People usually discuss how outstanding Magic Johnson was as a point guard because of the things he did with the ball despite being 6’9″ tall, and LeBron is often compared to him because of his skills as well. So, the real question is, who is really better?

4. Who is better when it comes to rebounding?

Fans in the audience could pretty much guarantee that when the greatest shooting guard of all time stepped onto the court each night, Michael Jordan would go on a prolific scoring spree.

Yet when fans go to see LeBron, they are aware that anything may happen. There’s no reason to believe that James can’t accomplish that every single night given that he’s racked up an astounding 8.87 rebounds per game in the postseason.

5. Who is better when it comes to defending?

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LeBron still has a long way to go before he reaches Jordan’s record despite the fact that his defence has dramatically improved since he entered the NBA as the first overall pick. With nine choices, Jordan, Kevin Garnett, Gary Payton, and Kobe Bryant hold the record for the most NBA All-Defensive First Team selections.

LeBron won’t even come close to surpassing MJ in this category until he can demonstrate that he has the ability to play reliable defence like those men.

There are so many things we’d have to review and compare between these two legends, if you’re a basketball fan we would like you to give us your comparison and what you think about these two LeBron and Michael Jordan.