Ever wonder how LeBron got to be the gifted basketball god that he’s become? Practice? Hard work? Coaching?
Nope.
Presented below, without comment, is an email I received this week (Subject line: LeBron the “Christened One.”) that explains the true origins of LeBron’s talent.
My name is Rolando Pharr. I’m a 49 yr. old Cleveland Ohio resident. There’s an unknown chapter in the LeBron James story that has to be told. I waited until LeBron turned 25. Now I think he’s mature enough to understand the significance of the story I’m about to tell you. This story is about the divine powers of the Universe and how those powers can be influenced.
Growing up, my parents told me the story of when Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) visited our neighborhood. My mom took my sister and I to see him as he was hanging out on E.55th and Central Avenue in front of the old Majestic Hotel. Ali took me out of my moms arms, raised me in the air several times, put me on his shoulders and carried me around for the duration of his stop. I was touched by the future “Global Icon.” A local newspaper captured that moment in time.
Fast forward to around February 1985. I was the assistant manager at the Bottom Half clothing store inside Rolling Acres Mall in Akron. A young lady came in and asked if we were hiring. She introduced herself as Nikki. We weren’t hiring at the time but I told her to check back periodically. Shortly thereafter, my manager developed a staph infection and was off for several weeks. During this time Nikki, who later revealed that her name was Gloria James, started visiting the store regularly, often times running store errands. Gloria would always talk about her baby boy LeBron, and would some times bring him to the store.
I was a member of Akron’s best adult male basketball team. We had won the Park and Recreation League the year before and always had a great squad. Our team was comprised of former Akron U. ballplayers and campus standouts. We called ourselves “Free Afrika.” On one memorable occasion, LeBron was sleeping, so I watched him while Gloria ran store errands. While she was gone, a few of my teammates stopped by. Someone commented about LeBrons’ large palms. I hadn’t noticed but they were pretty big for a little baby. It reminded me of my idol, Julius “Dr.J” Erving, as he also has large hands. We joked about what LeBron would be able to do with a basketball. At that moment I picked up LeBrons seat, raised him toward the heavens (Kunta Kinte) style and said, “I Christen Thee the next Dr.J”. I encouraged my teammates and they chimed in “To the next Dr.J”. When Gloria returned, I told her what I had done and proceeded to do it again. For the second time, I raised LeBron over my head and boldly said, “I Christen Thee the next Dr.J”.
Remember, Michael Jordan was only a rookie. Nike hadn’t refined his “Air” persona yet. Dr.J was still the face of the NBA, its most marketed player and “Goodwill Ambassador”.
I moved back to Cleveland not long after that and never saw Gloria or her baby again until I recognized her in an article about the high school phenom, LeBron James. Needless to say, I was shocked. Nearly 18 years later it was obvious that the Universe had been listening at the mall that day. Another bizarre twist of fate is that LeBron recognizes Eddie Jackson Jr. as a father figure. Eddie, who knows nothing about these events, is my cousin. His grandma and my mom were sisters. He and I don’t talk very often.
So there you have it. The unknown chapter in the LeBron James story. The fact is Lebron, at three months old, was “Christened” to become the next Dr.J by the best basketball team in Akron and by a man that was touched by the grace of “The Greatest of all Time”.
I welcome the opportunity to take a polygraph. Gloria James will remember me, not by name but she’ll know the guy from the mall. After being reminded, she should remember the “Christening”. I have found a couple of my teammates. I have the Ali newspaper photo and the Champions trophies from the Park and Rec. League. LeBron must know this story. It will change his life.
Follow me on Twitter: @vincethepolack.
This article appears in Feb 10-16, 2010.
and i was impressed with myself for figuring out what 44 had to do with new orleans winning the superbowl! clearly i still have lots to learn about how the divine powers of the universe work.
amuzin. curious 2.
he should’ve asked gloria who lebron’s father is. it’s clear that hasn’t yet been established, and it could leave some people receptive to stuff like this. after all, you guys are disseminating it.
hopefully, lebron’s not influenced, but it does suggest the investment that some northeast ohioans have in LBJ’s fatherless imagery: everyone wants a hand in him.
besides, the christening obviously didn’t work. lebron’s nothing like dr. j. nor even mj.
lebron got where he is due to his natural talents, dedication and hard work.
i’m more interested in gloria “fess’in up” as to who lebron’s father is.
leicester bryce stovell
I’m the author of this story. Maybe i should explain a few things. When I raised LeBron up and “Christened” him the next Dr.J it was because he was a baby (and I only want the best for babies). Dr.J was my idol and he was a very positive role model for young black men. He was the first crossover (white America loved him). He played street and talked boardroom.
I see alot of similarities between Doc and LeBron.
Doc changed the way the game is played. He made it a vertical game played above the rim.
LeBron is changing the way kids play the game now. Pass first, team first and above the rim. Go to your local hot hoop spot and watch a few games.
Doc was the dominant force in the ABA and revitalized the NBA.
LeBron now dominates the NBA.
Dr. J was the most marketed player in NBA history at the time of the “Christening”
LeBron is the most marketed player in the league right now.
Hall of Famer Harvey Pollack (the only man to be employed in the NBA since it started) said that ” Dr. J was the classiest person to ever play in the league both on and off the court”.
LeBron appears to be a classy guy. Besides a speeding ticket and not shaking his opponents hands after a beatdown, he’s been squeaky clean. Hey, Doc chocked Larry Bird one time so we all have bad days.
I agree with LBS that LeBron has natural talents. Websters Collegiate Dictionary defines “natural” as being determined by Nature. It defines “nature” as a creative and controlling force in the Universe. When you combine those natural talents with the Universes other gifts of 6ft. 9 inches, 270 lbs, near world class speed and a 37+ inch vertical, you get a nice finished product. Hmmm…maybe the “Christening” did work.
Dr. J and LeBron both put in the work needed to be their best.
Dr. J wore #32 and switched to #6 / LeBron wore #32 early on and is switching to #6.
It’s a part of my destiny to tell this story. I just roll where the Universe guides me.
Doc Cold
Correction: Dr. J choked Larry Bird, he didn’t chocked him.
Peace
Doc Cold
Doc Cold,
you’re being too abstract and proving nothing. you’re creating flimsy analogies (in fact, referencing nothing more than superficial coincidences at best) in the absence from the public eye of the person LBJ undoubtedly most likely is like: not at all Doc J but LBJ’s biological father. that’s the nature that’s real in him.
you’ve been inclined to make the patently un-natural suggestion you’re making – essentially that LBJ is a product of your imagination – because glo refuses to tell the world who his real father is.
if you want to make a contribution try to figure out who LeBron’s real dad is.
LBS
Doc Cold, you’re being too abstract and proving nothing. you’re creating flimsy analogies (in fact, referencing nothing more than superficial coincidences at best) in the absence from the public eye of the person LBJ undoubtedly most likely is like: not at all Doc J but LBJ’s biological father. that’s the nature that’s real in him. you’ve been inclined to make the patently un-natural suggestion you’re making – essentially that LBJ is a product of your imagination – because glo refuses to tell the world who his real father is. if you want to make a contribution try to figure out who LeBron’s real dad is.
great story rolando. people either believe in the powers of the Universe or coincidence. If lebron is like anybody it would be Glo. LBS must have answered the phone when his daddy called and said tell ya mamma i aint never comin home.
ya see, rolando. your approach attracts kt fresh who concludes LBJ is a 5’3″ girl. you’re both 2 goofy bros!!!
rolando and kt, allow me 2 put it this way.
the majic of the universe was manifest when glo and LBJ’s real dad came together and brought life to LBJ’s seed. each added characteristics, but it’s clear LBJ’s physical traits, including his height, pigmentation and objective athleticism, came from Daddy. Glo then no doubt ran off and dissappeared and wound up getting her wildest dreams. but she wanted it all. she’s refused to identify Dad her entire life, apparently not even to LBJ. So what you 2 are holding out as a result of the majical powers of the universe is in fact a sacriligeous abomination: the selfish actions of one person, gloria james.
rolando claims to be eddie jackson’s cousin, a fellow who’s benefitted from this situation more than any guy on earth. and cuz rolando here is for some reason spouting the kind of distracting nonsense that helps the deception continue. he’s even suggesting he can get some other fine akron lads to unwittingly assist in his distraction.
it’s you guys who believe in coincidence; in fact, even in confusion. i would love to see you 2 join me in believing that there really is majic. it’s not a joke. but in this situation the real majic is obviously being covered up by self-interested man. yet again!
Focus, folks. LBJ’s dad is missing, Glo and likely eddie know who he is, and they’re not telling any1 – even LBJ – to protect their gravy train.
I don’t get it. How would this story change his life he’s King James (GOD) and more importanly how is going to change yours. dlg
WTF?
There are many things that are unexplained. We as humans quest for an answer or explanation to everything. Your story is entertaining and if it is true then that explains Lebrons greatness for you, and in the end that is all that matters. You know what events occurred or did not and whether you chose to fabricate or enlighten is a personal decision. I personally believe you. One glaring similarity between Doc/LBJ is the off n on J.. Lol God bless brotha
Hey Roc24G, Thanks for the blessing and believing my story. My original email was called “LeBron the Christened One” and i just gave the facts of what occurred. The guy Vince Grzegorek put the Secret/Greatness title on there.
For the record there are two other people who can corroborate parts of the story and i’ve taken and passed two polygraph exams. There’s more to the story. Gloria James and i made a handshake agreement (twice) that when LeBron became an NBA star (as i predicted) she would see to it that each person who participated in his Dr J Christening would be made a millionaire. There were 6 of us total.
Check out the Youtube video “LeBron’s Cosmic Connection” if you haven’t already. I’m 100% sure that Gloria and LeBron will do the right thing very soon. Stay tuned.
Doc scored over 30K points and shot better than 50% for his career. We both can agree that he didn’t score 15K dunks. Haaaaaaaa.
Wish us Luck and go cite some CFD violators…..Lol
PEACE
Doc Cold