On his uniform, LeBron James wears the same number Michael Jordan did. But will he someday match up to his idol's unprecedented accomplishments? LeBron was a high school phenomenon; no other player entered the NBA with as much hype as LeBron James had to endure. With the passing ability like Magic Johnson, and the determination and dunking ability like Michael Jordan, he proved to the world he was something special and belonged in the NBA.

LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio. His mother, Gloria, raised LeBron by herself. Life wasn't easy for LeBron and his mother. They moved around a lot while Gloria bounced between many jobs. From early childhood, LeBron loved playing basketball. Growing up, LeBron found an outlet in sports to escape the difficult life he dealt with at home and school. His idol was Michael Jordan. "A lot of players know how to play the game, but they really don’t know how to play the game, if you know what I mean." LeBron said, "they can put the ball in the hoop, but I see things before they even happen. You know how a guy can make his team so much better? That’s one thing I learned from watching Jordan."

LeBron had become friends Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, and Willie McGee. Over time they improved their chemistry with one another and became a tremendous team on the basketball court. Gaining recognition around Akron, LeBron and his team entered the national scene by qualifying for the Under/6th Grade AAU National Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah. Two years later, they went all the way in the AAU Under/8th Grade final in Orlando, Florida, only to lose a close one to the Southern California All-Stars 68-66.

The foursome decided to go to Saint Vincent-Saint Mary High School. LeBron didn't let anyone down his freshman year. Averaging 18 points per game, and shooting better than 50 percent from the field, LeBron led the Fight Irish to an astonishing 27-0 record and capturing the school's first state championship since 1984. LeBron James was also one of the team leaders in rebounds, assists, and steals.

LeBron's national recognition continued to increase as he entered his sophomore year. Over the summer, LeBron grew nearly four inches, and looked more like he belonged in college than in high school. Although they failed to go undefeated, finishing the season with a 26-1 record, they were able to capture their second state championship. LeBron averaged 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.8 steals per game. LeBron James became the first sophomore player ever chosen for USA Today All-USA First Team. Continue...