Lebron James Biography

Picture of NBA basketball star, Lebron James, of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Courtesy of ABC

Birthdate: December 30, 1984
Birthplace: Akron, Ohio

He's the NBA's biggest star and most-talented player. Kidzworld serves up the goods on Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Lebron James - Growing Up

Lebron started hooping when he was just a baby, after his mom bought him a miniature hoop and basketball. It was a good choice considering he had sprouted up to 6'7" by the time he was a sophomore in high school. As a junior, Sports Illustrated put him on the cover of their magazine and called him "The Chosen One." After his junior year, Lebron James was offered a nine million dollar contract to play basketball in Italy and he would've been a top pick in the 2002 NBA draft if league rules had allowed it (a player must be 18 years old to be picked). His high school games were shown on television, he was on the cover of basketball magazines and shoe companies were lining up to get Lebron's name on a multi-million dollar endorsement contract.

Lebron James - The Professional

In 2003, Lebron James was drafted first overall in the NBA Draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. Overnight he became a very wealthy teenager - signing several endorsement deals totaling nearly $100 million! In his rookie year, Lebron James averaged nearly 21 points per game and was named the NBA's Rookie Of the Year, edging out Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. Lebron has lived up to the hype - in his four years with the Cavs, he has been a three time All-Star and has also helped turn the team from cellar dwellers into playoff contenders. In 2007, Lebron led the Cavs to the NBA Finals, where they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

Lebron James - Greatest Ever?

Lebron may be more physically gifted and talented than Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, but can he the best ever? It took MJ six years to reach a championship game, but he ended up winning six championships in his career. Magic has five championships while Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant each have three. Lebron is only 22 years old, so he has a lot of time to win rings. The best players are winners, so if Lebron fails to win championships he will be considered one of the best players - but not the best. With a finals appearance in just his fourth NBA year, things are looking good for King James!