I grew up knowing Lebron James, he was close friends with my cousin. My cousins, brother, their friends and any other boys would get together and play basketball….Lebron was one of those friends. When I say, they’d play for hours…they’d play all day and night. When they first started playing basketball, it was a NO Parking sign, we couldn’t even afford a basketball hoop. Then my cousins mom got a hoop attached to her garage and these boys played all day.

I went to Riedinger Middle School my 8th grade year and Lebron also went there. By the time I was in the 8th grade…I knew Lebron was going to be famous. I’d tell him all the time…you’re gonna be famous Bron, watch!!! And he’d just laugh at me. At school during recess, I’d make everyone get off the court, sit on the bleachers and I’d give Lebron the basketball and say “Bron, show them your skills!!! Dunk for us!!! Do your thang!!” And he’d go out there and put on a show for everyone. I always knew Lebron would be famous and he is.

My friend stole his homework when we were younger…it has his signature on it. We knew Lebron was going to be famous and she still has the papers hidden away.

I respect Lebron because I know the type of place he came from…he’s come a long ways and does a lot for the city he grew up in. Lebron has rebuilt many basketball courts, provided uniforms, shoe giveaways, bike giveaway, Savanna prom dress giveaways, a whole school, providing housing, helping rebuild the community he grew up in. I’m proud of Lebron.