LeBron James found himself surrounded by three eager students from the I Promise School as they played a friendly game of basketball on the brand new court in Akron, Ohio. The basketball court was unveiled during a special event at the school, which was established by LeBron to support disadvantaged youth in his hometown.
Accompanied by four of his high school teammates, the NBA superstar inaugurated a vibrant outdoor basketball court at the I Promise School, a school he established last year to support disadvantaged children in his hometown. Taking a break from his work on “Space Jam 2,” James spent time with the children and showed his support for his family foundation. Addressing the kids before a friendly basketball game, he motivated them to pursue their dreams with the same determination that he and his friends had. Calling it more than just a basketball court, James emphasized the importance of the friendships and lasting connections that can be made through sports and teamwork. He reminisced about the strong bond he shares with his high school friends, known as the “Fab Five,” who won a state championship and supported each other as James transitioned from a local standout to a global icon. James, who has invested over $1 million in school improvements, showcased his skills by dunking on one of the new hoops, despite missing a few long-range shots. As he gears up for his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 34-year-old athlete remains committed to giving back to his community through projects like the I Promise School, created in partnership with the Akron Public Schools to provide a supportive educational environment for at-risk youth. Despite his busy schedule, James remains dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people through initiatives like these.