LeBron James is creating buzz with a Nike advertisement in which he discusses the concept of humble beginnings.
The commercial captures the superstar's rise from his high school days in Akron, Ohio, to his legendary career in the NBA, as well as the societal contributions he's made along the way.
“We always hear about an athlete’s humble beginnings. How they emerged from poverty or tragedy to beat the odds,” the 17-year NBA vet said in the ad. “They’re supposed to be the stories of determination that capture the American Dream. They’re supposed to be stories that let you know these people are special. But you know what would be really special? If there were no more humble beginnings.”
The superstar also shared the video on Twitter and added to his sentiments.
"Seventeen years ago @nike took a chance on a kid from Akron," James tweeted. "And 17 years later this has given me the ability to provide opportunities for my 1400 kids in Akron so that one day NOTHING is left to chance. They will KNOW that a kid from Akron is something special."
17 years ago @nike took a chance on a kid from Akron. And 17 years later this ???? has given me the ability to provide opportunities for my 1400 kids in Akron so that one day NOTHING is left to chance. They will KNOW that a kid from Akron is something special‼️???????? #ThekidfromAKRON???????? pic.twitter.com/WFqi6nZLc7
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 19, 2019
It was a heartwarming moment for many social media users.
"How is he not the most likable guy in the NBA?" one Twitter user said.
How is he not the most likable guy in the NBA?
— G.O.D718NYC (@God718N) December 19, 2019
"This is why you are King," another person said.
This is why you are King
— Nick Polom (@NickPolom) December 26, 2019
Clevelanders also took the opportunity to thank the All-Star for the joy he has brought to them.
"Hey since no one has said it in a long time I’m a Clevelander and thank you for the years of play off basketball and of course the championship," tweeted Victor Grimes. "Thanks King."
Hey since no one has said it in a long time I’m a Clevelander and thank you for the years of play off basketball and of course the championship Thanks King
— Victor Grimes (@VictorG36997794) December 26, 2019
Even a Celtics fan paid respect to the Lakers star.
"This hurts me to say this as a life long @celtics fan," the Omega Ministry Group tweeted. "But this is why LeBron is the GOAT. He didn’t wait till he retired to make a difference. He spoke his truth while playing and made a difference."
This hurts me to say this as a life long @celtics fan.. But this is why LeBron is the GOAT.. He didn’t wait till he retired to make a difference he spoke his truth while playing and made a difference while playing….. @MuhammadAli
@KingJames
@Kaepernick7 enough said #Legends— Omega Ministry Group (@OMGTGE) December 19, 2019
The superstar has been mostly recognized for launching his I Promise School in Akron, which he opened for at-risk students. According to the New York Times, 90% of the students have reached their educational goals since the school opened in July 2018. The school supports more than 1,000 kids from third to 10th grades, Adweek reported. The students who reach their academic goals receive college scholarships to the University of Akron.
Earlier this month, the Lakers forward sent the third graders of his I Promise School to the North Pole on the Polar Express.
"You’re a good man doing great things," one person said, replying to James' Nike ad on Twitter.
You’re a good man doing great things!
— Leslie Jones (@LeslieJ0nes) December 19, 2019
James also made headlines with another heartwarming moment before the Lakers' Christmas Day game, according to Revolt. The superstar reportedly met with a 17-year-old boy who was given a year to live after being diagnosed with cancer.
Watch the ad below: