Former Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James might be off to Los Angeles, but his impact is still being felt in Ohio. On Monday, the Cavs legend opened up his much-awaited I Promise School that’s aimed at educating at-risk children.
The school, which is in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio, opened for the first time to 240 third- and fourth-grade students. In the coming years, the plan is to add more grades as students will fill out the refurbished structure in downtown.
The veteran is going beyond basketball to make a crucial impact in the world, and everyone is noticing. In the aftermath of the public opening, NBA players and James’ former Cavs teammate reverently responded to the King’s newest slam dunk:
Congrats to my bro @KingJames on doing thing athletes really have never done before! You inspire the whole world killa. Keep it going as I know you will. Generation after generation going to feel this one! #RealOne
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 30, 2018
Freaking amazing! 👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/s82hufUHZA
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) July 30, 2018
This is using your platform! Mad props and much respect my friend @KingJames https://t.co/Em32rzqHBa
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 30, 2018
.@kingjames CONGRATULATIONS my brother!!! You are a man of your word! Proud of you for chasing your dreams and in turn, giving the opportunity to hundreds of kids to realize theirs. ✊🏾#BiggerThanBasketball pic.twitter.com/WlhrUwyMli
— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 30, 2018
Incredible… https://t.co/Ut5vi5JEtc
— Larry Nance (@Larrydn22) July 30, 2018
Basketball is just a platform.. what one does with it to impact the lives of many is the ultimate journey and you @kingjames continue to do that.. keep going young man! pic.twitter.com/ULZD5LlJig
— Charles Oakley (@CharlesOakley34) July 30, 2018
@KingJames inspired me. I can’t build a school but I can give out backpacks and school supplies. If you’re in south bend come grab one on Thursday pic.twitter.com/IGTX8ippAJ
— Jerian Grant (@JerianGrant) July 31, 2018
Congrats family @KingJames !! A role model on and off the court #MoreThanAnAthlete
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) July 30, 2018
LeBron’s legacy is so much greater than basketball. He is changing lives. The fact that he’s somehow managed to be a better person than a basketball player is nothing short of amazing pic.twitter.com/6KeVYEnPTz
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 30, 2018
🔥🔥💪🏽💪🏽 https://t.co/wdHg1prCm8
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) July 29, 2018
#MoreThanAnAthlete @KingJames – so much to look forward to. @IPROMISESchool @LJFamFoundation #WeAreFamily #StriveForGreatness https://t.co/sSobVzvMbc
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) July 30, 2018
It’s amazing the four-time MVP is finding ways other than basketball to inspire his fellow professionals and former NBA players. James truly is a transcendent figure on and off the floor.
