COUNTY COUNCIL AND EXCUTIVE SHAPIRO HONOR LEBRON JAMES AS NBA’S NEW ALL TIME SCORING LEADER
Prior to its February 27, committee meeting, Summit County Council and Executive Ilene Shapiro honored LeBron James as the National Basketball Association’s new all-time leading scorer. James passed the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot with 38,390 points following his 38 point effort against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, February 7th in Los Angeles as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Since being drafted number one by the Cleveland Cavaliers straight out of St. Vincent St. Mary High School in Akron in 2003, James has been named NBA Rookie of the Year; four time NBA Most Valuable Player ; 19 time All-Star; three -time All-Star Game MVP; 18 time All-NBA Team; six time NBA All-Defensive Team; NBA Scoring Champion; NBA Assist Leader and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team as one of Top 75 Players of All Time. He’s also competed in three Olympic Games for the United States and won two Gold Medals.
James led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals in 2007 in only his fourth season and went on to join the Miami Heat where he won his first two NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013 along with his first two Finals MVPs. He returned to Cleveland in 2014 and led the Cavs back to the Finals for the next four years, winning the Championship in 2016 and his third Finals MVP. Between Miami and Cleveland, LeBron’s teams represented the Eastern Conference in the Finals for eight straight seasons between 2011 and 2018. Following the 2018 season, LeBron moved west to the Los Angeles Lakers and led the iconic franchise to another Championship in 2020, where he collected his fourth Finals MVP. In 2023, at the age of 38 in his 20th season, he shows no signs of slowing down as he currently averages 30 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists per game.
Through his LeBron James Family Foundation and his I-Promise School, James has positively impacted the lives of countless children and families in Akron, Summit County and beyond through education, scholarships, employment opportunities, housing, health and wellness initiatives and entrepreneurial partnerships. His mother, Ms. Gloria James, accepted the commendation on his behalf.
“Thank you Summit County Council and Executive Shapiro for this honor. It means so much to LeBron and our family to be recognized for all of the hard work and dedication to the game he so truly loves. No matter where he is, Akron is always “home” and we will continue to uplift our children and families in this community,” said Ms. James.
“We are so proud of all of the accomplishments that LeBron continues to achieve in his career. His attributes and legacy are far far beyond an incredible athlete. He is a giant of a man who inspires us all each day with his work both on and off the court. You have raised an exceptional leader who continues to make a difference for so many. Thank you, Ms. James,” concluded County Council President Veronica Sims.
