In the heart of LeBron James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio, the LeBron James Family Foundation launched the LeBron James museum, called LeBron James’ Home Court.
The Lakers star joined his teammates at the museum for a tour of the exhibit on Saturday. The museum provides an overview of the life and career of the perennial NBA all-star.
James said, “It’s very special. To be a kid of Akron, I grew up 30 miles south of here and to be able to be drafted here and spend my first seven years here and then come back for four more years and do some special things that the franchise had never seen.”
“When I [was] drafted, I said, I wanted to [light] this place up like Vegas, so I feel I did a decent job of doing that while I was here for my 11 years,” he said, according to ABC News.
The museum’s panoramic multimedia experience will take visitors inside a reproduction of James’ childhood apartment in Akron’s Spring Hill neighborhood. The room will be adorned with mementos from the 20-year NBA veteran’s career.
Authentic jerseys from James’s career will also be on show in the exhibition, such as his McDonald’s All-American jersey from when he was still in high school and stole the nation’s hearts as one of the best players in the country.
Visitors will discover the all-white suit James wore at the 2003 draft when he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by his local team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Fans will then follow the future star as he plays with the Cavaliers in his early years and then as he makes the widely reported choice to join the Miami Heat.
Visitors will be able to relive his championships in South Beach, Cleveland, and Los Angeles through multimedia and game-worn sneakers and gear.
Visitors will also learn about James’ community service initiatives outside of the court. A timeline detailing the development of his organization from a 2009 Bike-A-thon to the 2018 debut of his I PROMISE educational initiative will be on display.
The Lebron James Family organization stated that all ticket sales will directly support his organization, and the funds will be given to I PROMISE children, parents, teachers, and family members.
