LeBron James Thanks M.I.A. Father For Missing Out On His Life

Miami Heat star LeBron James has been quite open about his upbringing. The 29-year-old Ohio native was raised by his 16-year-old mother, Gloria on her own. Growing up, life was often a struggle for him and his mother, who moved from apartment to apartment in the ‘seedier’ neighborhoods of Akron. Realizing he would be better off with a more stable family environment, Gloria allowed LeBron to move in with the family of Frank Walker, a local youth football coach, who introduced LeBron to basketball when LeBron was nine years old. In a recent interview with GQ magazine, LeBron talks about his absentee father, sharing that in a strange way, he appreciates having no biological father in his life. He shared:

Like, ‘Wow, Dad, you know what, I don’t know you, I have no idea who you are, but because of you is part of the reason who I am today.’ The fuel that I use – you not being there – it’s part of the reason I grew up to become who I am. It’s part of the reason why I want to be hands-on with my endeavors. And to be able to put my guys that’s with me now in position. Like Maverick Carter, my right-hand guy in business. Rich Paul, my agent. Randy Mims, my friend – he’s my manager, you know. So me in a position allowing people around me to grow, that maybe wouldn’t have happened if I had two parents, two sisters, a dog, and a picket fence, you know? Because of you Pops! Thanks all along. Could have said why me with u not being there but look what I made of myself.

On the contrary, LeBron is very close with his mother. This week, he surprised her with a brand spankin’ new luxury vehicle.

He shared a photo of the new gift, writing:

Momma received her surprise b-day gift today. Enjoy and love you momma! Trying to figure out how to give u the world but in the mean time enjoy your new toy!#ProudSon #SheGoneStuntOnMeNow#StriveForGreatness

Click here to read the full GQ interview.

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