LeBron James talks about challenges he faced in life

LeBron James at NABJ Tampa Convention

—Tampa, Florida

By Stephanie Claytor

Americas finest group of journalists gathered today to listen to the NBA’s MVP LeBron James talk about the documentary, “More Than A Game”.

As James arrived, he greeted the National Association of Black Journalists board members and signed basketballs. They seemed delighted to meet him, and even took pictures. James came with his girlfriend Savannah, his coach, and film writer/producer, Kristopher Belman. And there was even one other NBA star in the group, apparently James’ new mentee.

When there was nothing to do, James started dancing to pass the time.

Then he went on stage, and was stiff as a rock. It wasn’t clear if he didn’t like press conferences, or if he was disappointed that the room was only half full, with a few hundred people at best.  

During the press conference, we learned that the film isn’t just about LeBron. It’s about him and his former teammates- Willie McGee, Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, and Romeo Travis- and their travel to fame.

In a sit down interview with Coach Dru Joyce II and Willie McGee, we learned that each of the teammates, who called themselves the fab 5, had common dreams. The coach was a family man, who worked in corporate America, but wanted to coach basketball. While working as an account manager by day, he held practices at night and ended up leading a team to becoming national champions.

Willie McGee wanted to get a college scholarship, playing basketball. He now is getting his master’s. The other two players are playing in Germany, and Cotton is still playing football, hoping to be an NFL player.

The only way to get through the adversity was to focus on basketball, and pray, which they did together before and after every game. But sometimes, they fell into teenage temptations. 

  LeBron James talks to Blacktino Connection Reporter Stephanie Claytor

During our sit down interview with LeBron James, we asked him about the pressures he faced in high school, that caused him to try marijuana in high school. He said  yes, everyone expected them to win, but wanted them to lose. He said he didn’t use the marijuana to cope with the pressure. It was just “something they did as kids,” that didn’t know any better.

The film premieres October 2nd in select theatres. We will have a review for you shortly.

What do you think? Are having good frienships the key to success? How do we teach our children to stay away from drugs, even when things get tough?

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