“I always felt like there would be brighter days”: LeBron James breaks silence on how he survived in Akron as he changes thousands of lives

LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, came from middle class backgrounds before the former Los Angeles Lakers’ icon made it big in his life. Ever since he was drafted in the league by the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James’ foundation has worked tirelessly for the community in Akron. Amid this, the NBA icon has shared what kept him going as he grew up in Akron.LeBron James reflects on what kept him focused on his career in Akron as he grew up with a single motherA few years ago, in an interview with Teen Vogue, LeBron James spoke to a teenager growing up in his hometown.The teenager asked the NBA icon, “Growing up in Akron, managing life on a daily basis is hard. I try to put my focus on sports because that keeps me on the right path, but keeping up with my schoolwork is a struggle. Being from a single-parent household, my mom is everything, and she had cancer, so I struggle with the fear of her getting sick or losing her. How did you balance everything when you were growing up with all the challenges and struggles I know you also had?”To this, the former Los Angeles Lakers’ icon added, “I think the best way that I managed those struggles growing up as a kid was just always understanding that there’s loved ones around me that want me to succeed and there’s loved ones around me that want me to be great. Even though the adults and the people that we love are going through so much, they don’t want us to feel that burden.”LeBron James added, “They want us to continue to be as positive as possible because they see the bright future in us. Even though there were some days I felt like it wasn’t the best day for me personally, or for my mom, I always felt like there would be brighter days.”The 41 year old NBA legend continued, “Even as tough as it can be, you just have to have that positive attitude, knowing that your parents or your guardian or your loved ones want you to be as great as you can be, and they don’t want you to fall into the trap of being in a position where you feel like there’s no outlet for you.”LeBron James remains loyal to Akron even as he became a billionaireFor the last two decades, LeBron James has continued to donate generously to the communities in Akron as he set up his foundation, the LeBron James Family Foundation, in 2004.Since then, the NBA icon set up thousands of schools and institutes to also help out children and be there for them.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.