LeBron James is just another proud father in the offseason

Herald online

22 Jul, 2016 01:10 AM4 mins to read

LeBron James with sons Bryce and LeBron Jr.Source:Getty Images

After growing up without a father, it's clear LeBron James wants to be there for his kids.
According to a June feature written by Chris Haynes for Cleveland.com, James doesn't know his father's height, history or his whereabouts.

"It was tough at times, but my mom, she kept it so real," said James, of what it was like growing up in a single parent home. "She was like my mother and my father at the same time. When I was growing up at times, on Father's Day, I would write my mother a card, wishing her Happy Father's Day. She was all I had."

It's left the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar determined to break the cycle. "I wanted to be a part of the statistics that breaks the mode of fathers running out on their kids," James said.

"That was something that I obviously went through and I knew from Day 1 that wasn't going to be me. So, to have a family and be there for them and be there on a day-to-day basis is important. I know I travel a lot but I'm a staple in the household and it means a lot to me and I know it means a lot to my kids."

James's three children - sons LeBron Jr and Bryce and daughter Zhuri - were notably present in the celebrations after he secured a breakthrough championship for the Cavs this season.

Zhuri sat on his lap at his press conference following the Game Seven win in Oakland while LeBron Jr and Bryce followed him around the locker room.

It's clear it's a part of James's life he cherishes. "The best part of fatherhood is seeing your kids in you. The stuff that you used to think you could get away with. The things you thought you were sneaking away with and now you see your kids trying the same thing and I be like, 'I've been there, boy. I know what you're trying to do. I used to try that. Don't try to fool me. I know exactly what's going on'," he told cleveland.com.

"So that's a pretty cool thing and also just seeing the different personalities from Zhuri, to Bronny, to Bryce, it's almost like leading a team. You can't lead them all the same way.

They all have different personalities even though we're all growing up in the same households; you have to be able to command them differently. That's a challenge, but it's pretty cool."

The hype has been building around the impressive talent of LeBron Jr for some time now.

He may only be 11 years old but the eldest son of the greatest basketball player on the planet already reportedly has standing scholarship offers from two of the most distinguished college programs in America, Duke and Kentucky.

His latest highlight tape - a compilation of D-Rich TV clips put together by House of Highlights - only adds to his burgeoning legend.

Granted the mixtape features just a handful of plays that have been hand-picked from several games, but it's clear little 'Bron can hoop.

Watch him casually drop shots from half court like, dare we say it, his father's chief rival these days, Steph Curry.

Admire his commitment to defence as he turns a block - not quite as memorable as his father's Game Seven stuff off Andre Iguodala, but still - into a lay-up on the other end.
Check that handle which leaves defenders for dead - and the polished left-handed finish.

Note the unselfishness which sees him regularly dish the ball off to a teammate in a better position. Just like his old man has throughout his career.