Perhaps one of the most iconic and recognizable figures in all of professional sports in the past decade, it’s hard to quantify just how much LeBron James means to his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Drafted by the nearby Cleveland Cavaliers, James eventually left the franchise but would return to fulfill his prophecy and deliver the city their first championship trophy in over 60 years. Ending what seemed like a never-ending drought, James has been revered even more since their title run and the city of Cleveland appears ready to thank him with a token of appreciation. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, a fellow graduate of LeBron’s high school has organized a GoFundMe campaign for a life-size statue of the superstar:
While LeBron James is trying to hang another banner commemorating a championship in Cleveland, a fellow alumnus of St. Vincent/St. Mary High School is trying to erect a statue in Akron, Ohio, of the Cavaliers star.
Aaron Carey, who attended St. Vincent/St. Mary six years after James graduated, has organized a GoFundMe account and hopes to raise $1 million to commission a life-size statue of James.
The way a GoFundMe works, anyone across the world can access the campaign and donate as much money as they would please. Given LeBron’s devout fanbase and the spread of his global popularity, $1 million may be raised sooner than some realize.
James was informed of the fundraising during Cavs shootaround Monday morning and was also asked what type of pose he would want for the statue.
“First of all, thank you. It would be cool, not only for myself, but for my family and all the people that had anything to do with this journey thus far. I’m appreciative even of the thought.”
“I don’t have a particular pose in mind. Like I said, I think it’s the thought that counts. It’s pretty cool.”
If LeBron James were to get a statue down the road, he would deservedly join the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell and ten other all-time greats.
His accomplishments more than warrant a statue and its eventual construction will just be another prized accolade on LeBron’s historic path.
