‘How Street Basketball Shaped My Career” – Lebron James

LeBron James has shared how his early days playing street basketball in Akron, Ohio, helped shape him into the NBA star he is today.

Speaking on the Mind the Game podcast, the four-time NBA champion said he learned the game by simply playing, not through formal training. “I just played. That was my training,” James said.

Unlike many young athletes today who have private coaches and attend special camps, LeBron’s basketball journey started with pick-up games in his neighbourhood. He said he didn’t have a trainer until his second, third, or even fourth year in the NBA.

Those street games helped him develop his dribbling and shooting skills. “That’s where I got my handle. That’s how I learned to create shots,” he explained. “No one ever told me how to play.”

James believes that this freedom on the court helped build the creativity and instinct that later became key parts of his game.

Now preparing for his 23rd NBA season, a record no other player has reached, LeBron’s story is a reminder that passion and hard work can go a long way—even without formal coaching.

From playing with friends on the streets of Akron to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James’ journey proves that greatness can come from simple beginnings.