“You feel no one cares about you in Akron”: LeBron James opens up on how growing up in Akron shaped him as he changes countless lives there

LeBron James, the former Los Angeles Lakers’ star player, has kept his focus on the last season in court as he is all set to retire after the upcoming season. While LeBron James gears up to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, he has remained passionate about Akron. Amid this, LeBron James’ comments on his roots in Akron have moved many.LeBron James reflects on his love and dedication for Akron and growing up there in a middle class homeIn an interview with the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike, the four time NBA champion, LeBron James opened up about his love for Akron as he said, “People always say, ‘You’re going back home.’ But I tell people all the time, ‘I’m not from Cleveland.’”The star player added, “There’s no disrespect to Cleveland. But, when you’re from Akron, you’re not from Cleveland,” James told Woike. “This is where I’m from.”LeBron James also reflected on the childhood he has had in Akron as he said, “When you grow up in Akron, Ohio, you already feel like no one cares about you too much,” he said. “And the only people that really care about you are the ones from that town.”He added, “When you are in certain community centers, in certain gyms, you look for inspiration—people who came before you, people who were already there.”LeBron James has continuously worked towards Akron’s developments and changed thousands of lives thereIn the last two decades, as and when LeBron James’ wealth grew after being drafted in the league, he remained loyal to his hometown and has continued to donate.Apart from his foundations, LeBron James has also been there for his alma mater, St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, as he funded a $1 million renovation for the school’s gym.While St. Vincent–St. Mary basketball has continued to add new talents, LeBron James reflected on it as he said, “It means you set the path along the way while you’re doing it for the next generation. It was our whole thing while we were there…”The four time NBA champion added, “It started with Maverick [Carter] and Derrick and Darren Tarver, guys who were there already. And we came in and wanted to pave the way for the next generation. We wanted St. Vincent–St. Mary to be a school that didn’t just have one-offs. They’re still doing it.”Set up in 2004, the LeBron James' Family Foundation have consciously worked on helping to develop the communities in Akron as the NBA legend has also set up a number of schools there for children belonging to underprivileged and unstable backgrounds.In the last few months, LeBron James has also partnered with Mercedes Maybach and PGA Tour to help in development.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.