Childhood and Education Journey of LeBron James in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of LeBron James. A timeline of key moments.

LeBron James, nicknamed "King James," is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and a four-time NBA champion, having appeared in 10 NBA Finals, including eight consecutive from 2011-2018. He led the Lakers to win the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 30, 1984: LeBron James' Birth

On December 30, 1984, LeBron Raymone James Sr. was born. He would later become a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Others born on this day/year

August 27, 1986: Birth of Savannah James

August 27, 1986 marks the birthdate of Savannah James (née Brinson), LeBron James's wife.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Featured in Slam Magazine and Sports Illustrated

In 2001, during the summer before his junior year, LeBron James was the subject of a feature article in Slam magazine and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming the first high school basketball underclassman to do so.

December 12, 2002: Played against Oak Hill Academy on ESPN2

On December 12, 2002, LeBron James and the Fighting Irish played a game against Oak Hill Academy that was nationally televised on ESPN2.

2003: Custom Built Mansion in Akron

In 2003, LeBron James custom built a 30,000 square foot mansion in Akron, Ohio on his property at a cost of $2.1 million.

January 2009: Growth discovered in James' Jaw

In January 2009, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic discovered a growth in the right side of LeBron James' jaw.

2011: Became Part-Owner of Liverpool F.C.

In 2011, LeBron James became a part-owner of Liverpool F.C.

September 14, 2013: Married Savannah Brinson

On September 14, 2013, LeBron James married his high school sweetheart, Savannah James (née Brinson), in San Diego, California.

November 2015: Bought Mansion in Brentwood

In November 2015, LeBron James bought a 9,350 square-foot East Coast-style mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for about $21 million.

2015: Partnership with the University of Akron for Scholarships

In 2015, LeBron James announced a partnership with the University of Akron to provide scholarships for as many as 2,300 children beginning in 2021.

November 2017: Akron School Board Approves I Promise School

In November 2017, the Akron School Board approved the I Promise School, a public elementary school created in partnership with the LJFF.

December 2017: Purchased Another Home in Brentwood

In December 2017, LeBron James purchased another home in Brentwood for $23 million.

July 30, 2018: I Promise School Officially Opened

On July 30, 2018, the I Promise School officially opened in Akron, with LeBron James considering it his most important professional accomplishment.

September 2020: Purchased Home in Beverly Hills

In September 2020, LeBron James purchased a home in Beverly Hills for $36.75 million.

2021: Scholarships for 2,300 children provided with the University of Akron

In 2021, the University of Akron and LeBron James provided scholarships for as many as 2,300 children, as part of the partnership announced in 2015.

2023: Bronny named McDonald's All-American

In 2023, LeBron James's son Bronny was a standout high school basketball player, named as a McDonald's All-American, 20 years after James' selection.

October 22, 2024: Shared the court with son Bronny

On October 22, 2024, LeBron James and his son Bronny shared the court for the first time in the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the first father-son duo in NBA history.

2024: Teamed with Son Bronny in the NBA

In 2024, LeBron James and his son Bronny became the first father-son teammates in NBA history.

March 2025: Denies spending $1.5 million on health

In a March 2025 interview, LeBron James denied spending $1.5 million a year to pay for personal chefs, athletic trainers, and physical therapies for recovery, claiming he did not know where that number came from.