How a Great Player Got In To the NBA: A Biography of LeBron James
Rewritten By Michael Habeck
The Original Website Biography is by: http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/James/James_bio.html In LeBron Jame's middle school career his coach Frankie Walker thought LeBron to shoot with his left hand so he could become dominate no matter what side you put him to. In 8th grade he was able to play all of the position's being, point guard, center, forward, power forward, and shooting guard. LeBron was one of the best players being 6 foot in 8th grade. He powered over people and could drive by people and probably could dunk by the end of middle school. LeBron James averaged 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists for the camp at the starting of his high school career. He also increased his proficiency from downtown, connecting on 39 percent of his three point shots. As the first underclassman ever invited to the camp, he broke the festival scoring record with 120 points in five games and was named MVP. It was when challenged that he shone brightest. He first turned heads in a featured game for underclassmen. The contest’s MVP, he tallied 22 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan invited LeBron James to join him in an exclusive workout, where he scrimmaged against the likes of Antoine Walker, Michael Finley, Juwan Howard and Penny Hardaway. LeBron James struck up a friendship with Walker, a product of Chicago’s Mt. Carmel basketball factory, and still counts him among his most trusted adviser At this stage of the game. it was becoming rather obvious to just about everyone who knew LeBron James that he would soon be playing in the NBA—and probably bypass college. Next on LeBron James's was the 26th annual McDonald's All-American High School Boys Basketball Game at Gund Arena and the EA Sports Round ball Classic in Chicago. By playing in more than one all-star game, LeBron James sealed his fate and made himself eligible for the NBA draft, which became known as the "LeBron Lottery. Among the teams hoping for a lucky bounce for LeBron James were Cleveland, Denver, Memphis and Toronto. Some even suggested that the Cavs dealt Andre Miller knowing the trade would weaken their club and thus improve their chances of landing the ultimate hometown hero in the draft. If that was indeed the team’s strategy, it worked. Cleveland got the top pick and grabbed LeBron James. LeBron James was drafted in the 2003-2004 season. Though his contract with the Cavs was slotted in by the league’s rookie salary structure, he had no worries about money. In fact, estimates put his endorsement deals (with the likes of Nike, Coca-Cola and Upper Deck) at $100 million. LeBron James was the number one reason for the team's turn around. After getting his feet wet early in November, he strung together 11 games with double-digit scoring, and finished the month with a 33-point, 16-rebound effort against the Memphis Grizzlies. LeBron James continued his fine play through December and January, then suited up in the Rookie Challenge Game during the All-Star Weekend. LeBron James led the newcomers with 33. By increasing his range and accuracy from the outside, teams had to respect LeBron James's perimeter game, which opened more opportunities for him and his teammates. LeBron James posted four double-doubles on the season, and pumped in 40 or more points on five occasions, including a 56-point outburst