NBA legend LeBron James often describes himself as “just a kid from Akron.”
Now a museum dedicated to LeBron’s journey from child prodigy to NBA superstar will open in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, on November 25.
LeBron James’ Home Court opens in Akron, Ohio, on November 25Credit: LeBron James Family Foundation
The museum charts the NBA icon’s journey from child prodigy to superstar
The museum includes the original TV from his apartment in Spring HillCredit: LeBron James Family Foundation
7There is also a tribute to his time at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high schoolCredit: LeBron James Family Foundation
The LeBron James’ Home Court museum offers self-guided tours that start with models of the modest Spring Hill apartment he occupied and the St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high school gym where he played.
LeBron’s personal collection will also feature noteworthy pieces, such as the famed 3-1 drum set and the enormous all-white 2003 NBA Draft outfit.
His old TV from his Spring Hill apartment and his high school McDonald’s All-American jersey are also present.
Furthermore, the original rim and backboard from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where LeBron first gained notoriety as “The Chosen One,” are present. Later, he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.
In addition, a gallery features a selection of fan art that LeBron has acquired over the years, the actual sneakers he has worn throughout his greatest moments, pictures of the James family at his makeshift workplace, and reflections from his travels, including his Olympic success.
LeBron said in a statement, “Having a place in my hometown that allows me to share my journey with my fans from all over the world means a lot to me. My dream has always been to put Akron on the map.”
“Over the years, I’ve been known to hold onto a lot of items, and I always knew there would be a place and time to display them.”
The museum is located within House Three Thirty, a building that LeBron’s foundation established to benefit the neighborhood where he grew up.
All earnings from the $23 general admission tickets—which match his old uniform number—go toward funding House Three Thirty’s job training initiative.
“This is still so crazy to me that this is happening!!” LeBron posted on social media.
“Can’t wait for my fans all over the world to get a peek behind the curtain to see what we’ve built and where it all began.
“Ain’t nobody better mess up my room either!!
“Only in Akron!”
Tickets cost $23 in honor of LeBron’s jersey number
The museum has the all-white suit from the 2003 NBA Draft
LeBron’s apartment he shared with his mother has also been recreated