By Shaniece Nicole (@ShanieceNicoles)
AKRON, OH – In July 2018, the LeBron James Foundation and Akron Public School opened the I Promise School to serve the most at-risk students and families in Akron, Ohio. Year five was celebrated this July and is currently serving grades third to eighth. James’ nobility extends to his Akron community politically, socially, and economically through various philanthropic works. The Akron prodigy has been fueling the economy since the age of 16.
He accomplished Ohio’s Mr. Basketball three times while attending St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where he led his team to three Ohio State Championships. In 2003, James was drafted straight out of high school by his hometown team the Cleveland Cavaliers as the number one overall pick. 13 years later, he brought home the city’s first championship in franchise history.
Not many can say they’ve had a sit down interview with James. He joined his I Promise students on their podcast debut, “Let’s Taco ‘Bout It!” It’s a fitting name for a podcast considering that King James has spent years declaring his love for tacos famously proclaiming “Taco Tuesday!” on various social media platforms.
Aliza, Christian, Dominick, and Jenisha tag-teamed the four-time champion asking questions regarding mental health, self-care, and the future of I Promise. Furthermore, the future media personalities were simply outstanding at their job of getting James to “open up.”
“At some point, I want to see a nice big garden here where we make our own fruits and vegetables,” James said. “I’ve been hearing a little rumbling around here lately. Hopefully, we can get that done soon.”
James reportedly spends $1.5 million on his body every year and has the same aspirations for his students. He’s talking the talk and walking the walk.
After ten NBA Finals appearances which include six losses, “pick yourself back up and try again” is LeBron’s motto for dealing with failure.
“It’s always about going after it again. You’re not going to always succeed, but that doesn’t mean you stop,” said James. Although James didn’t talk about his Finals appearances, his perseverance is implied.
Perhaps, that should be the headline: “How Does the King Continue to Get Back Up?” a life lesson every child should know.
Outside of James’s stellar career, he’s fantastic at communicating with the younger generation.
“I am hysterical,” James shared. “I love to laugh, make jokes, and scare people throughout the day. I like to hide behind doors and scare people.”
When asked about the proudest moment of his life, the father of three didn’t mention winning a championship for his hometown team or being the first overall draft pick in 2003. Instead, he rejoiced in being Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri’s father.
“They are my treasures. They’re my life. It makes me smile to see where they are today,” James said.
He then shared that he’d much rather be on the same team with Bronny and Bryce, but if they happened to be on opposite teams, he wouldn’t go easy on them. Just a month prior to this interview, LeBron and his eldest son, Bronny, attended an Ohio State football game where “We want Bronny!” chants hailed from the stadium. The 37-year-old is steadfast regarding his longing to play with his son in the NBA.
Going into his 20th NBA season, James has big plans for his immediate and I Promise families.
