LeBron James has averaged 25 ppg in the last 20 years. That is insane. But at this point, we really aren’t surprised with what this man can do. And he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The oldest player in the NBA recorded a triple-double against the Kings. His longevity is so impressive that he’s now playing alongside his son, 20 years later. He has consistently played at an elite level since his 2003 draft. He has excelled not only in the NBA but has also dedicated himself to representing his country whenever called upon.

LeBron James, an American by nationality, has proudly represented Team USA on the international stage multiple times, including in the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2024 Olympics. As of October 2024, he has won 3 gold medals and earned 1 Olympic bronze medal. Along with another bronze in the FIBA World Championship. While we all have read a lot about his accolades, let’s take a deeper look at his ethnicity and family.

LeBron James’s initial struggles did not stop him from being a superstar

LeBron Raymore James Sr. was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, with his young mother, Gloria James, just 16 at the time. Anthony McClelland, his biological father, had a history of legal trouble and chose to stay out of Bron’s life, leaving Gloria to raise him on her own.

To this day, King James uses his mother’s last name.

Gloria Marie James was born on February 4, 1968, and grew up in Akron along with her 2 brothers, Curt and Terry. Gloria, of African American heritage, spent most of her life in Akron, where she raised LeBron through both the tough times and successes they shared.

The initial years weren’t easy for LeBron and Gloria. She faced numerous personal challenges, many stemming from the loss of her own mother when Bron was still a baby. Shifting between retail and accounting jobs, Gloria struggled to find stable employment, leading the mother-son duo to move frequently from one apartment to another. They became all too familiar with Akron’s rougher neighborhood—an industrial city with a population of over 200,000, located less than an hour south of Cleveland.

The 20x All-Star credits all his success to his mother. “She gave me strength to a point where I never even had to think about that, and I have no idea where she got it from. To this day I still won’t even ask her, but she’s definitely the champion,” he said speaking to Maria Shriver for Today, in 2014.

After getting a taste of success, LeBron knew it was time to give back to the community and make sure no child endures the hardships he went through. The hooper founded the LeBron James Family Foundation, an org dedicated to offering support and resources to children in need around Akron, Ohio—his hometown. One of the foundation’s proudest accomplishments is the ‘I Promise School’, a public school in Akron specifically designed to support at-risk students. Gloria serves as the vice president of this organization.

LeBron James’ African American heritage and roots in Akron, Ohio, are key parts of his identity and journey. Beyond basketball, the veteran hooper has embraced his background by using his platform to advocate for social justice, education, and support for underprivileged communities. He stands not only as a sports icon but as a role model who proudly represents his culture, making his legacy as much about his impact off the court as his achievements on it.