When all is said and done, what is the imprint a player left on the game? How will they be etched into the memories of one’s mind? This is a question that will soon be entertained about LeBron James, one of the biggest pioneers in the history of sports. The basic conversation has been long established. The soon-to-be 40-year-old is part of the pristine GOAT debate, a mantle that remains subjective. But what do those closest to him consider to be his legacy? It’s much more elaborate than just the game of basketball.

James, coming out of Akron, Ohio raised by a single mother fought against all the hurdles. At just 18, the entire basketball world looked at him with a nefarious eye. “Lots and lots of naysayers saying there is no way this kid is going to do what you guys are saying,” his wife Savannah James said. As the ‘Chosen One’ there was always a “target on his back” from those who couldn’t comprehend a teenager tackling the biggest basketball challenge.

What he did though went far beyond. “he’s going above and beyond every expectation.” she claims. Those parameters far defy the confines of the court. As a professional, LeBron James has always wished to leverage his platform to make a change. The numerous accolades and billionaire status take a shallow place in the holistic picture.

For the four-time NBA champion, his influence on the community and youth is the highest priority. That starts with being a model parent to his three children. Bryce, his younger son admires his father for having been more than just a basketball player. He’s opened the I Promise school in Akron, done immense philanthropic work, and has consistently upheld a marvelous standard of living, even though his every move is bound to come under some scrutiny.

But ultimately, to him, while he loves basketball, his legacy is tied to his family. “Me, Bryce, and Bronny will all remember him as a great dad” his daughter, Zhuri said on Starting 5. No matter the agony he faced on the NBA court or the overheated criticism that came his way, LeBron James has always wanted to set the right precedent for his family.

“My legacy is my kids. My legacy is my family, my household. That’s my legacy for me. That can never be disputed,” he rightfully said. No matter how he is perceived for his basketball greatness, his purpose is far from over once he decides to hang those size 15 sneakers.

It’s always been more than basketball for LeBron James

If he had to brag, LeBron James has unlimited ammunition to push forth his basketball legacy to rival any legend to have stepped in the game. With all the spotlights on him, King James surpassed those thresholds and has led a career of dreams. Longevity, acclaim, and glory, the 39 year old has it all. However, those debates have never been on his mind, even though he does call him the greatest from time to time.

“My basketball legacy, people want to talk about me as far as the basketball player, that’s up to those debates. You’re going to have these barbershop conversations, you’re going to have these sports talk conversations. You’re going to have everybody saying who was the best, who wasn’t the best all that. That’s not for me to debate or worry about,” he said on the show.

If he is recalled for strictly his basketball exploits, James considers his mission to have “failed”. He spoke about the shape he wants his legacy to take. It goes to his works outside of the hardwood. In particular, within Akron, he has helped transform the lives of thousands of students, has provided rent-free housing to citizens and uplifted the city. It’s been an ambition of his since before stepping foot into the NBA,

And that’s exactly how he wants his legacy to look. Basketball surely propelled him to achieve the dreams he set his eyes on. But once the illustrious phase of his life is over, LeBron James wants to continue being a beacon for the community. “I’m not done, I’m old as f**k in basketball terms, but I’m super young in life,” he said on The Shop. 

The countless people, who due to his remarkable efforts saw their livelihood dramatically change for the good won’t remember him for his mastery of the sport. “His ability to help others and put others first is what makes him a great person,” a student of the I Promise initiative said about the Akron Hammer.

A purpose continues to motivate LeBron James to do more. And even when the imminent retirement does come, his legacy will continue to grow through his generous spirit.