It seems like someone might finally be whispering the right things in LeBron James’ ear. As the self-anointed “King” prepares to travel to China later this week for a promotional tour, he’s been spending time in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, for his new “Wheels for Education” campaign. James presented 360 Akron third graders with new laptops, backpacks, school supplies and bikes, and those kids will be pushed and supported all the way through their high school graduations.
Sounds pretty generous, right? I’d say so, even if State Farm, HP and Nike are footing the bill for everything, but it’s just nice to see James doing something generous for once, instead of throwing himself a series of lavish birthday parties or tipping $10 on an $800 dinner tab. As for the man on the court who guaranteed not 4, not 5, not 6 championships? He’s getting some help from Hakeem Olajuwon.
”I look at what he was able to do throughout his career,” James said. ”Unbelievable talent. Multiple champion. Just to see how he was able to dominate in the low post, for me as an individual, I just try to look at some of the things I feel I need to get better at and hit home at it. Our team becomes better if I continue to get better and that’s what it’s about.” (Via Fox Sports)
While I (and many like me) believe that there is not going to be a NBA season this year, what with the owners and players only having the time to meet three times this month, James is a little more optimistic.
“I believe that Billy Hunter and the owners and (NBA Commissioner) David Stern are going to work toward having a season this year. And I’ll be ready for it.”
Translated: “Look, I make all my money from endorsements and Nike hasn’t locked me out, so I’m good either way. But in case we are playing, I’m going to correct my post game with Hakeem, because then nobody will be able to say anything bad about me.”
As for the charitable efforts, James is reminding us that his “Decision” was also conveniently generous, as it “raised” $3 million for the Boys & Girls Club. $240,000 of that money was spent on the LeBron James clubhouse, which will open its doors today. But even if his donations come from his sponsors, it’s still worthy of mention. I know we bust his balls, but James isn’t the devil. Even if other sites are comparing him to Casey Anthony. Yikes.
(Banner via AP)
