LeBron James was the most anticipated prospect back in 2003. At 18, James had the basketball world in the country all around him. His high school team’s games were nationally televised, as his influence was greater than certain NBA players.
Going into the 2003 draft, LeBron was projected as the number one pick, and so happened. Young players these days with such influence make a hefty wealth through social media, promoting brands and expanding their popularity. Though 20 years ago, social media did not really exist.
Teen hoopers who are projected to be the top picks live a luxurious life beforehand these days. James was one of the only players to have such hype around him. His lifestyle at a young age was something that some NBA players at the time would’ve aspired to. Though things took a turn when James’ mother, Gloria gave him his birthday gift. This expensive gift almost put the young prospect’s career in jeopardy.
LeBron James drove around the city in his new Hummer
As James turned 18, his mother gifted him a brand new SUV, Hummer H2. The vehicle had cost her around $55,000. The high schooler obviously had to take a ride, as LeBron drove around his hometown. Though on the flip side, the gifted car had many consequences.
According to the Ohio athletic association, an athlete who receives a fight of monetary value while capitalizing on their own fame, he/she loses their amateur status. This had put a lot of controversy around James at the time. Not only that, but the 18-year-old had the car customized as well.
Hummer is back.
Speaking of which, here’s a 2003 CNN story on a high school senior named LeBron James riding around in a $55,000 Hummer. pic.twitter.com/j7ovJGGvc3
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) January 30, 2020
James’ mother, Gloria took a loan to gift her son his first car. The high school had confirmed that it was indeed a gift from Gloria and no third party was involved. The mother and son weren’t the wealthiest to afford such a gift, though anticipating James’ million-dollar contracts, Gloria had almost put his amateur status in jeopardy. The Ohio High School Athletic Association later confirmed that James’ amateur status was not jeopardized.
It was a close call, as at the time James’ popularity was up the charts, and to see the youngster lose his amateur status would’ve been a nightmare for the prodigy.
Though LeBron would go on to join his hometown’s team, Cleveland Cavaliers. 20 years later, James is one of the greatest players to ever play the game, having won 4 championships and multiple Finals appearances. It is interesting to see how a wholesome gift would’ve changed the career of a generational talent.
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