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 a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers and is considered one of the greatest of all time. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has won four NBA championships across 10 NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive from 2011 to 2018. James also won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers and has won three Olympic gold medals playing for the United States.

Sections (6)

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

December 30, 1984: LeBron James Born

On December 30, 1984, LeBron Raymone James Sr. was born. He is now known as a highly accomplished professional basketball player.

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August 27, 1986: Savannah James' Birth

August 27, 1986 is the birthdate of Savannah James (nee Brinson), LeBron James' wife.

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2001: Featured in Slam Magazine & Sports Illustrated Cover

In 2001, LeBron James, at age 16, was featured in Slam magazine as possibly the best high school basketball player and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, gaining national attention.

December 12, 2002: Nationally Televised Game on ESPN2

On December 12, 2002, a game featuring LeBron James and St. Vincent–St. Mary against Oak Hill Academy was nationally televised on ESPN2, highlighting James' growing popularity.

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2003: Akron Mansion Built in 2003

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.

2005: LJFF holds annual bike-a-thon

Since 2005, the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) has held an annual bike-a-thon to raise money for various causes.

June 2008: Donation to Barack Obama's Campaign

In June 2008, LeBron James donated $20,000 to a committee in support of Barack Obama for the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

January 2009: Doctors Discover Benign Jaw Tumor

In January 2009, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic discovered a benign tumor in LeBron James' jaw, specifically in his parotid gland.

2011: Worked with Hakeem Olajuwon

During the extended summer of 2011, LeBron James worked with Hakeem Olajuwon to improve his post up game.

2011: Part-Owner of Liverpool F.C.

In 2011, LeBron James became a part-owner of Liverpool F.C., marking his venture into sports ownership.

September 14, 2013: LeBron James' Marriage

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

2014: Missed Games Due to Strains

In January of the 2014-2015 season, LeBron James missed two weeks due to left knee and lower back strains.

November 2015: Purchase of Brentwood Mansion

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 University of Akron

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 2016: Endorsement and Campaign for Hillary Clinton

In November 2016, LeBron James endorsed and campaigned for Hillary Clinton for the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

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 to help struggling elementary school students stay in school.

December 2017: Purchase of Brentwood Home

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

2017: Response to Charlottesville Rally and Trump's Slogan

In 2017, following a racist incident at his Los Angeles home and the Unite the Right rally, LeBron James questioned the "Make America Great Again" slogan and criticized President Donald Trump.

July 30, 2018: I Promise School Officially Opens

On July 30, 2018, the I Promise School officially opened, with LeBron James reflecting that it was his most important professional accomplishment.

2018: Criticism of President Trump

During a 2018 interview with CNN journalist Don Lemon, LeBron James accused President Donald Trump of attempting to divide the country with sports.

August 19, 2020: Support for Joe Biden's Presidential Campaign

On August 19, 2020, LeBron James announced his intentions to support the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign and that of his running-mate Kamala Harris in advance of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

September 2020: Purchase of Beverly Hills Home

In September 2020, LeBron James purchased a third home in Los Angeles, this one in Beverly Hills for $36.75 million.

2021: Scholarships for 2,300 children begin

In 2021, scholarships are provided to as many as 2,300 children through LeBron James' partnership with the University of Akron.

2022: Crypto.com Super Bowl Ad

During Super Bowl LVI in 2022, LeBron James appeared in a Crypto.com advertisement, conversing with a CGI version of his younger self.

April 11, 2023: Biography LeBron Published

On April 11, 2023, LeBron James' biography LeBron was published by Jeff Benedict, based on three years of research and over 250 interviews.

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2023: James Switches Jersey Number in Honor of Bill Russell

Entering the 2023–24 season, James switched back to jersey No. 23 from No. 6 in honor of Bill Russell, whose No. 6 jersey had been retired league-wide.

2023: McDonald's All-American

In 2023, Bronny James was named as a McDonald's All-American, 20 years after LeBron James' selection.

October 22, 2024: First Time Sharing the Court with Bronny

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

October 31, 2024: Support for Kamala Harris 2024 Campaign

On October 31, 2024, LeBron James announced his support for the Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign in the 2024 U.S. presidential election in a video posted on social media.

2024: First Father-Son Teammates in NBA

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

March 2025: James Denies Health Spending Claims

In March 2025, LeBron James refuted claims that he spends $1.5 million annually on health, stating he was unaware of the source of that figure.

2025: Mattel Announces LeBron James Ken Doll

In 2025, Mattel announced the addition of LeBron James to the Barbie roster, creating a Ken doll in his likeness, making him the first professional male athlete to be honored as a Ken doll.

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