LeBron James

The only thing I believe that people can have against him is his decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join the Miami Heat. I honestly had no problem with it. LeBron is a grown man and should be able to make decisions that best benefits himself and his family. The general public criticized him greatly for this decision. He left his hometown to go pursue championships to solidify his legacy, which he ultimately did. Although the city of Cleveland took a hit, both financially and on the court, I don't knock LeBron for his decision. I believe he didn't fully understand the magnitude of leaving Cleveland. I actually think what LeBron did was courageous. James spent his entire life in the Cleveland-Akron area. This is where all his close friends and family members were. James stepped out of his "comfort zone," and moved 1200 miles away from an area and people he is completely familiar with, to a completely different place and people. He even improved tremendously as a basketball player, posting career high statistics and also became a better person, leader, and advocate for the game of basketball. So, his decision better him as a person and he showed a great deal of courageousness to step out of his comfort zone.

After four years with the Miami Heat, James decided to come back to Cleveland. He matured exceedingly. No longer was he the kid from Akron that played and joked around. He came back to the city and created more opportunities for the people of Ohio. The money they lost when LeBron left, now came back doubled. Jobs were created all due to him being back home. He learned from his mistakes. James said, "Miami, for me, has been almost like college for other kids. These past four years helped raise me into who I am. I became a better player and a better man." Maturity is another trait you don't see from a young person making millions, but he found it in himself, which I really love about LeBron.

LeBron has always been a charitable person. Over his career, he has donated millions to his multiple foundations, such as the LeBron James Family Foundation and the I PROMISE Program. He's also donated to other causes such as cancer, people with mental and physical disabilities, education, and many other causes. LeBron is always doing community work and continues to donate to local Boys and Girls clubs. Just this past summer, LeBron promised all of the kids in his "I PROMISE Program," that if they meet the requirements they will attend college for free at the University of Akron. The requirement is pretty simple: graduate high school. That's absolutely incredible, considering there are as many as 2,300 children that could potentially benefit from these scholarships. This is just a wonderful deed done by LeBron. The lasting effect of his unselfishness could be a huge difference in our country. If the majority for these kids go to college, think of the jobs that creates and how it improves our society. James emits nothing but positivity and greatness.

I've looked up to LeBron for so long, and I will continue to do so. Not only is he a great basketball player, he is truly a magnificent person. No one taught him these things, which amazes me the person he became. He inspires many across the world, including me, to think about others and to not be afraid to be yourself. His traits of inspiration, humility, unselfishness, courageous, understanding, hardworking, and leadership show his genuine heart. This is why LeBron James is my hero and role model.