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. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players ever, he is frequently compared to Michael Jordan in debates about the sport's all-time best. James has won four NBA championships in 10 NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive appearances between 2011 and 2018. He also won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers, and has won three Olympic gold medals as a member of the U.S. national team, and the Olympics MVP in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

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 widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

2001: Featured in Slam Magazine

In the summer of 2001, before his junior year, LeBron James was featured in Slam magazine, lauded as possibly the best high school basketball player in America.

December 12, 2002: Nationally Televised Game

On December 12, 2002, LeBron James and St. Vincent–St. Mary played against Oak Hill Academy in a game that was nationally televised on ESPN2.

2003: Custom Akron Mansion Built in 2003

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

March 2008: Vogue Cover Appearance in March 2008

In March 2008, LeBron James became the first black man to appear on the cover of Vogue, posing with Gisele Bündchen, sparking controversy.

January 2009: Jaw Growth Discovered in January 2009

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

2011: NFL Contract Consideration

During the 2011 NBA lockout, LeBron James considered offers to play professional football from the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks, and he even began training for it.

September 14, 2013: Marriage to Savannah James on September 14, 2013

LeBron James married his high school sweetheart, Savannah James, on September 14, 2013, in San Diego, California.

2014: Cramps during 2014 Finals

In 2014, James dealt with severe cramps during the finals which led to his partnership with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2018 to found Ladder, a company that developed nutritional supplements for athletes.

2014: All-Star Break Duration Request in 2014

In 2014, LeBron James asked commissioner Adam Silver to increase the duration of the All-Star break, and the request was granted the following season.

February 13, 2015: Elected VP of National Basketball Players Association on February 13, 2015

On February 13, 2015, LeBron James was elected the first vice president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

November 2015: Brentwood Mansion Purchase in November 2015

In November 2015, LeBron James bought a 9,350 square-foot (870 m) East Coast-style mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for about $21 million.

2015: Partnership with University of Akron Announced in 2015

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: I Promise School Approved in November 2017

In November 2017, the Akron School Board approved the I Promise School, a public elementary school created in a partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation to help struggling elementary school students stay in school.

December 2017: Another Brentwood Home Purchase in December 2017

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 on July 30, 2018, with LeBron James reflecting that it was his most important professional accomplishment.

August 27, 2020: Boycott of 2020 NBA Playoffs

On August 27, 2020, LeBron James and his Lakers teammates, along with the Bucks, boycotted the 2020 NBA playoffs to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake, leading to discussions with Jared Kushner and advice from Barack Obama to continue playing.

September 2020: Beverly Hills Home Purchase in September 2020

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

2021: Scholarships Beginning in 2021