Gloria James, the mother of NBA superstar LeBron James, has played an integral role in his life, both professionally and personally. Despite being a single mother, Gloria has been a constant source of support for LeBron, and he attributes much of his success to her.

Born on February 4, 1968, in Akron, Ohio, Gloria gave birth to LeBron when she was just 16 years old. She raised him with the assistance of her two brothers after the passing of her mother. The family faced financial challenges, and LeBron and Gloria moved frequently during his early years. At one point, when they couldn’t afford to heat their home, LeBron even had to live with a foster family.

Despite the absence of LeBron’s biological father, Gloria provided him with a nurturing environment and never let him feel the absence of a father figure. She encouraged his love for basketball but never pressured him to become a professional athlete. Instead, she prioritized his education and wаnted him to graduate high school alongside his peers.

In 2002, Gloria gave LeBron a Hummer as a birthday gift, which raised eyebrows due to their previous residence in public housing. However, LeBron was later cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Gloria continues to be a key figure in LeBron’s life and is actively involved in the LeBron James Family Foundation. She serves as the foundation’s vice president and has been instrumental in initiatives such as the I Promise School, a public school for disadvantaged children in Akron.

LeBron holds his mother in high regard and often expresses his gratitude for her support and guidance. During the CоVID-19 pаndemic, he spoke about how much he missed her and considered their reunion a significant moment after being apart for an extended period.

Their bond is evident in the emotional call LeBron made to Gloria after winning his fourth NBA title in 2020. He expressed his appreciation for her strength and acknowledged the challenges she had overcome throughout her life.

Gloria James remаins a proud and devoted mother to LeBron and his children. Her unwavering support and encouragement have played a crucial role in his journey to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time.