The 12-year-old boy, who was unable to travel from Akron to Cleveland 25 years ago to see the best of basketball, found a moment that was as special as any MVP trophy.
James was surrounded by his closest friends at Wolstein Centre, his high school teammates, and the people who supported him through every step of his incredible journey.
James called it “a remarkable thing.” It’s quite cool.
Practice began for Team LeBron, James’ hand-picked team for his 18th All-Star Game. He left Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo behind so that he could be there for the rest of his life with his teammates.
He spotted Romeo Travis who is now a coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary, and Willie McGee who is the athletic director at their alma matter. Dru Joyce Jr. was following in his father’s footsteps, working as an assistant coach at Cleveland State and Sian cotton, while also coaching football back at St. V. (or Frankie Walker Jr.).
James hugged them all tightly. While holding their children, James took pictures and commented on how much some of them had changed since he last saw them.
He said, “My guys,” later. “I talk to them almost every single day. Since we were 9, we have had that connection and that friendship. It’s the first time that we have all been together at the All-Star Weekend. It makes it more special.”
James spoke about how he felt with his friends back in 1997 when the NBA moved to Cleveland and celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
He watched in amazement as Kobe Bryant, a rookie in the East Bay dunk contest won. James dreamed of seeing an All-Star and even flying like Michael Jordan.
James stated, “I wish I had the means and ability to travel up to Cleveland to feel that energy and maybe bump into one of these guys.” It’s amazing to sit down 25 years later and do what I love, dreaming about my passion, believing in the things I want to be.
The All-Star break for Los Angeles Lakers’ star is welcome news. He’s 37 years old and still considered the best player in the league.
He averages 29.1 points per games, has scored at least 25 in 23 consecutive games, and has proven he is as dominant as ever.
James’ game shows little erosion, but his body is beginning to show signs of wear. This season, he missed time due to abdominal strain and left knee injury.
There’s also the mental toll.
James stated, “This is the most bizarre season I’ve ever been a part,” “I don’t want to talk about injuries. I want to discuss COVID protocols. Our head coach has been absent for several games. There have been injuries.
“We’ve seen a bit of everything. It was very difficult, physically and emotionally draining at times. But that’s the NBA season.
Homecoming weekend gives you the chance to recharge for an end-of-season stretch. James could be required to do more with Lakers center Anthony Davis, who is expected to miss more time than a month due to a midfoot strain.
James is happy with their direction, despite the fact that the Lakers are currently ninth in the Western Conference. They didn’t make any trades at the deadline.
He said, “I love how we’ve played these last few games.” “The energy in our locker room changed when we reached the trade deadline. One led to a win. One resulted was a loss in Bay. I do hope that we can keep that same energy and that same connectivity. As a leader of this team, it all starts with me and then we move from there.”
James is perfectly content with this.
James is the one who sets the tone, whether he’s playing in Los Angeles or Miami, or Cleveland.
While the Lakers have had a difficult time, his former team, Cavaliers have been revived with a core of young talent.
Cleveland is a surprise in the league. James’ rise with the Cavs has raised questions about James’s future with the team that he led to the 2016 NBA championship.
James stated that he would like to play with Bronny, his high school junior, and end his professional career.
James thought back to his youth and how he was inspired by “having teams up in 77 North” as a child. He also praised the Cavs and the city, which are represented in Sunday’s All-Star Game at the Cavs by center Jarrett Allen and point guard Darius Garland.
He said, “Cleveland deserves this platform and this moment.” “They had two All-Stars in the D.G. game. Jarrett Allen, the big man. They also included me in the All-Star.
“It’s great, man.”
