When LeBron James was inspired by Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar: "They don't believe that you can get out"
LeBron James is known to be a huge fan of rap music and has close ties to some of the genre’s biggest stars. The LA Lakers superstar has publicly endorsed the music of Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Drake and many more.
Back in 2017, the Compton, California native, Lamar, personally gifted James with a copy of his album “DAMN.” The four-time MVP was so impressed by the wordplay and the lyrics that he couldn’t stop listening to it.
Some of the words also hit hard, according to the then-Cleveland Cavaliers superstar:
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"And it hit home for me at times because I was a kid that grew up in the inner city. And his story of the notion of you either play basketball or sell drugs or that’s it. There’s no out. You become a statistic.
"And as an African-American kid growing up in the inner city, they don’t believe that you can get out and become something. So, that’s why I’m able to relate to a lot of his lyrics. And relate to a lot of his stories."
LeBron James’ story is well-known, particularly to his hordes of fans. Before he became a global superstar, James and his mother, Gloria, struggled to make ends meet. They moved from apartment to apartment as she couldn’t find a stable job.
The Akron, Ohio native’s introduction to basketball by Frank Walker, a local football coach, turned the tide for the then nine-year-old kid. From there, there was no turning back as he quickly and sensationally caught media attention while playing for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
LeBron James’ mesmerizing high school basketball career earned him the moniker “The Chosen One.” He jumped out of high school straight into the NBA in 2003. James has since produced a career that Charles Barkley claimed is the greatest in sports history.
James became the face of the NBA when Kobe Bryant was in his last few years. He hasn’t given up on that throne yet and translated his on-court greatness into the business world, earning billionaire status a few years ago.
LeBron James is now the first active NBA athlete to become a billionaire, joining Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who did so after retirement 💰
(via @forbes) https://t.co/l319m4W6Uy
LeBron James was already a success when “DAMN” was released but Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics may have reinforced some of his values.
LeBron James showed off his dance moves in Kendrick Lamar’s concert last year in Vancouver
LeBron James is often unstoppable on the basketball court with his moves. He’s also got one of the wackiest dance celebrations that he usually busts out during pregame warmups.
At a Kendrick Lamar concert in April 2022, the four-time MVP grooved to Lamar’s “family ties” featuring Baby Keem. “King James” just signed a $97 million contract extension with the Lakers before he was spotted in the said event.
@KingJames rocking out at @kendricklamar show in #Vancouver Great Show! Two Kings brought their A-Game tonight! 🔥🔥 #LeBron #kendrick https://t.co/f3PyF9WkZ0
James admitted to being hurt by last season’s elimination from playoff contention, but he was still able to enjoy himself after things settled down. He went with his family to the Maldives and then rocked it with Kendrick Lamar in Vancouver.
The offseason did wonders to recharge his battery as he is playing at an MVP level again. He has been on a mind-boggling tear since turning 38 years old.
Heading into tomorrow night’s game against the OKC Thunder, LeBron James’ 38,352 points are now just 36 points away from surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record.