LeBron James has recently unveiled his Home Court museum, adding another captivating chapter to his already impressive 21-season NBA career. This museum provides a one-of-a-kind glimpse into his early life and basketball journey.
The museum in Akron, Ohio has lots of memories to share with fans, like posters of players LeBron loved while growing up. But something seems to be missing in the museum gallery—the iconic moment involving Michael Jordan, whom the King idolized while growing up.
No iconic Jordan moments in LeBron’s poster gallery
The “LeBron James Home Court” museum in Akron, Ohio, opened its doors to the public on Saturday, coinciding with LeBron James’ presence in Cleveland for the game against the Cavaliers. During his visit to the museum, James shared some insights into the posters that adorned his walls during his formative years.
Among the featured posters were those of athletes who greatly inspired James during his youth, including Barry Bonds, Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders, and Mike Tyson. In the basketball realm, iconic figures like Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, Allen Iverson, and Michael Jordan were showcased.
Interestingly, James, who has previously expressed his admiration for Jordan, didn’t display posters capturing Jordan’s iconic moments. Instead, the notable poster of the Chicago Bulls legend featured the memorable crossover move by Allen Iverson. Despite naming Ken Griffey Jr. as his favorite player during his early years, there were no posters of Griffey displayed in the museum. It’s conceivable that some posters of Griffey and Jordan may have been lost over the passage of time.
LeBron James features photo with Michael Jordan from 2003 scrimma
The museum shows little about his growing-up days in Ohio. During a recent tour with his Los Angeles Lakers teammates, LeBron created a nostalgic moment by revisiting his first apartment and unveiling a surprising photograph. The highlight of the museum tour was a snapshot from a historic scrimmage match between LeBron James and Michael Jordan before the 2003 NBA season officially began.
This intriguing detail, previously tucked away in the archives of basketball history, now sees the light of day. The photo captures a moment of camaraderie between the two legendary players, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on the bench after what was undoubtedly a hard-fought session on the court.
The scrimmage, held before LeBron’s rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, marked a transitional period as MJ approached the end of his illustrious career. The re-creation of LeBron’s childhood home features this photo, providing fans with a distinctive and seldom-seen viewpoint of the interaction between two basketball icons.
LeBron’s museum visit is more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s a composition of his heroes and influences during his early years in the basketball world. The carefully curated exhibits provide insights into LeBron’s childhood and the figures who shaped his love for the game. The LeBron James Home Court Museum, a part of the broader LeBron James Family Foundation, not only showcases the personal journey of a basketball superstar but also highlights the impact he seeks to make through his foundation’s initiatives.