I am Kyle Martino, a reporter for the NBA, and today I interviewed the Los Angeles Laker superstar LeBron James. LeBron was recently the subject of a new book,”The Making of a Billion-Dollar Athlete,” by Brian Windhorst, and he stopped by to discuss some of the things that appear in the publication about his life. He grew up with his teenage mother in Akron, Ohio, where they struggled under the influence of poverty. This was due to the fact that when LeBron’s grandmother died, his mother did not have enough money to pay for the house, therefore resulting in the city condemning their house. Between ages 5 to 8 he moved 12 times, however, this did not stop LeBron James from pursuing his basketball passion. He attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where he developed into a standout player at a young age and caught the eye of numerous college recruits as well as the NBA. After receiving offers from several colleges, LeBron decided to skip the college level strictly due to his financial status and headed into the NBA draft at only 18 years old. LeBron earned the number one overall pick getting drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, later reaching an astonishing nine NBA finals’ appearances in his career winning three of them (2 with the Miami Heat and 1 with the Cleveland Cavaliers). A big part of LeBron’s persona is standing up for the African-American community; speaking out for racial justice and equality which he does continuously. There are many ways you can characterize LeBron James but he is most certainly an inspiration to others whether it be on or off the court.
Reporter: LeBron, how would you describe yourself?
LeBron James: I have come a long way in my life and if not for my hard work and dedication I would not be where I am today. I am dedicated to the great game of basketball and I am grateful that god has given me the opportunity to play the game I love. Above all else my family is the most important in my life and I would go to mile high lengths for them.
Reporter: Can you describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today?
LeBron James: Growing up in poverty did not make life easy for my mom and I; bouncing around from house to house not knowing where we would sleep the next night. This did not get in my way and perhaps influenced me to work harder and become the best player I could possibly be. I challenged myself to extreme levels like all of the greatest players in basketball do; I wanted to be just like them. I made sure from that day forward I would do everything humanly possible to play in the NBA and show everyone what a poor black kid from Akron, Ohio could do.
Reporter: Would you tell me one thing about yourself that most people don't know and why don't they know it?
LeBron James: Well, when I was eighteen years old during my senior year of high school, I was offered a huge deal with Reebok which would total to $100 million dollars and I said no. I felt like I was the smartest person in the world because I knew there were going to be countless offers in the coming years once I entered the NBA and to be honest I have never made a better decision in my entire life. This day and crazy life decision has been overshadowed by my NBA career and is buried deep under all of my accomplishments and successes.
Reporter: How do you feel about your surroundings and why?
LeBron James: I feel as though I am continuously surrounded with people that are loving, caring, trustworthy, and hard working. These people are my family, teammates, coaches, staff, and friends. They are the ones that make my life better than it already is by just being who they are. I am only around positivity which is always a warm feeling to have and one that I love.
Reporter: LeBron you must have tons of friends, who would you say is your best friend and why?
LeBron James: Very funny Kyle, I would say that my best friend has been and will always be Carmelo Anthony. The two of us have been through thick and thin all the way from high school into the NBA. We have encountered our life’s journey together and I will cherish that forever, there is nobody like him. He is truly like a brother to me.
Reporter: In basketball you must come across a nemesis or rival, who do you consider to fit this description?
LeBron James: Of course I have come across a couple, but my ultimate rival is Stephen Curry. There is nobody more talented and as cool blooded than him. “Swish” is the sound of the net when Steph Curry scores, “Roar” is the sound of the Golden State Warriors fans jumping up and down screaming from the top of their lungs in happiness. He has beaten me a total of three times in the NBA finals which for me makes him a rival. In my opinion a rival is someone who is talented and has bested you in something which makes you have an urge to beat them everytime you play each other. That is how I feel everytime I match up with Steph Curry.
Reporter: LeBron, what would you say are the three words you'd use to describe yourself and why those three words?
LeBron James: I would say I am hard-working because whether it be on the court trying to improve or for my family doing my best to provide for them I never stop doing my job as a player or parent. Another word to describe myself is a leader because my job as a player is to motivate my teammates and help them improve to their full potential. I may yell or preach to my squad but it’s only in regards to positive feedback as well as constructive criticism which they take into account and reflect on. I believe that since day one of my basketball career I have acted like a leader. The last word I would use to describe myself is loving, and this is because I do not go a day without spending time with my beautiful wife and children. I love them all to pieces and Kyle if I were not here with you doing this interview I would be home with them.
Reporter: Out of the milestones you’ve reached and trophies collected, what do you consider your greatest achievement so far, and why?
LeBron James: That is a tough question and one that is itching away at me, but it would definitely be the come from behind 4-3 win in the NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors in 2017. It was my performance of a lifetime and to get the win made it all the more special. I had never been a part of such a back and forth series like that especially in the NBA finals and to win in that fashion will always be my greatest achievement.
Reporter: Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help and why?
LeBron James: If I were in desperate need of help I would turn to my wonderful wife who is constantly supportive and talks me through my problems. She has always been there for me since day one standing beside me when I am at my highs and lows. Savannah plays a massive role in my life and is all I could ask for in a wife.
Reporter: LeBron, name three things you consider yourself to be good at, and three things you consider yourself to be bad at.
LeBron James: We all have our strengths and weaknesses Kyle and I am sure you have some as well, but I would consider myself to be good at basketball, cooking, and being a parent to my children. With hard work and dedication I have managed to jursically develop in these categories, obviously, it did not just happen overnight. I would not say I am bad at anything rather I am subpar at some things including free throws, three point shooting, and golf. Even though they are my weaknesses right now with loads of practice and work eventually they could turn into my strengths.
Thank you LeBron James for sharing your life’s story with me and I hope to see you back here again for another interview, for more insight on LeBron’s incredible life you may read, “The Making of a Billion-Dollar Athlete,” by Brian Windhorst. I have to say LeBron, your determination and hard work throughout your life starting from nothing has inspired me to be more like you. THIS WAS A FICTIONAL INTERVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING THIS BOOK.