A Chance Encounter: LeBron James and the Heart of a Community
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Whole Foods parking lot in downtown Los Angeles. LeBron James, the legendary NBA star known for his brilliance both on and off the court, pulled his custom electric SUV into a parking spot. At 6’9″, he had to duck slightly as he stepped out of his car, drawing the usual mix of awed stares and excited whispers from nearby shoppers.
As he adjusted his athletic-inspired blazer—a necessity after attending a charity board meeting earlier—he checked his phone one last time. Three missed calls from his financial adviser and a text about a new philanthropic opportunity stared back at him. At 39, LeBron’s empire had expanded far beyond basketball, encompassing everything from media production to educational initiatives. Yet, a nagging thought lingered in his mind: Was he doing enough to leave a deeper legacy?
Just as he was about to head into the store, movement near the entrance caught his eye. An elderly woman in a wheelchair was struggling with several grocery bags, trying to maneuver herself while preventing the bags from spilling onto the pavement. Despite his celebrity status and the many onlookers, LeBron didn’t hesitate. It reminded him of his late father, who had always emphasized the importance of helping others, no matter how small the act.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” LeBron said, his warm smile lighting up the chilly afternoon. “Let me help you with those bags.”
The woman looked up, her eyes widening in recognition. “Oh my goodness, you’re LeBron James! My late husband, Derek, and I never missed one of your games. He was the biggest Lakers fan!” Her voice trembled with emotion, but she quickly added, “But please, I don’t want to trouble you.”
“Trouble? Not at all,” LeBron assured her, already gathering the bags in his powerful hands. “Where’s your car?”
“I live in the senior apartments just down the block,” she replied, gesturing down the street. “My daughter, Velma, usually helps me, but she’s busy today, and we needed groceries. I thought I could manage on my own.”
There was a note of frustration in her voice that LeBron immediately recognized—the determination to maintain independence even when physical limitations made it challenging. “Well, today you’ve got the LeBron Express,” he said with a grin, carefully arranging the bags so he could push her wheelchair while holding everything securely.
As they strolled toward the senior apartments, the woman introduced herself as Helen Johnson. She explained that she had been wheelchair-bound for six years following a car accident but was determined to remain as independent as possible. “My doctor said I might never leave my bed,” she said with quiet pride, “but I refused to let that happen. My late husband always reminded me that Johnson women don’t back down from a challenge.”
Helen spoke with a resilience that resonated with LeBron, who admired her resolve. She shared more about her life, recounting her 30 years as a physical education teacher, inspiring children to love sports and stay active. “I used to tell my students about you,” she said with a warm laugh, “not just about your basketball career but how you stayed dedicated to education and leadership. You inspired a lot of them.”
As they talked, LeBron kept Helen laughing with his well-known sense of humor, sharing stories about his family, philanthropic projects, and media ventures. Unbeknownst to him, a small group of bystanders had begun to follow them at a respectful distance, their phones out capturing the heartwarming moment. A young boy on a bike stopped to watch, his wide eyes reflecting admiration as he saw the NBA star helping someone in such a simple yet profound way.
The short walk gave LeBron time to reflect on his day and his life. At 39, he had achieved more than most could dream of—NBA championships, business ventures, and philanthropic milestones. But moments like these reminded him of his true purpose. He thought about his father, who had taught him that greatness wasn’t just about winning on the court or succeeding in business but about the positive impact you could have on the lives of others. “Be a giant in your heart, not just in your height,” his father would say.
Earlier that morning, LeBron had been in a high-rise conference room meeting with his team of advisers to discuss potential business ventures. The discussions revolved around investment opportunities and community impact initiatives. Among the proposals was a pitch to invest in a chain of medical supply stores, a venture promising significant profits with projected returns of 20% in the first year alone.
Despite the compelling numbers, something about the deal didn’t sit right with LeBron. Over the years, he had developed a knack for identifying meaningful investments—ones that aligned with his core values. While his team focused on profit margins and glossy reports, LeBron’s thoughts drifted to his father’s legacy and his own goal
Watch LeBron James and Wife Savannah Sneak a Kiss at the Premiere of His Biopic ‘Shooting Stars’
The NBA star shared a sweet moment with his wife away from photographers at the Los Angeles premiere
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty
LeBron James and his wife Savannah shared a sweet moment on the red carpet at the NBA star’s film premiere.
LeBron, 38, and Savannah, 36, enjoyed a glam date night while attending the premiere of Shooting Stars in Los Angeles on Wednesday between posing for photos on the red carpet and greeting the film’s cast and crew,
In a PEOPLE exclusive video, the couple was spotted going in for a sweet kiss away from photographers before the screening began.
LeBron and Savannah, who are both depicted in the film, opted not to bring their three kids — sons LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., 18, and Bryce Maximus, 15, and daughter Zhuri Nova, 8 — on their night out.
The budding basketball star has committed to USC Basketball in the fall. LeBron spoke out about his son’s big news, calling it “one of the best days of my life” in an interview with Spectrum SportsNet.
Related: Lebron James Celebrates Son Bronny's High School Graduation: 'Proud'
Shooting Stars, a production of LeBron’s company Springhill, tells the story of LeBron’s teenage years rising to fame as the country’s greatest high school basketball player.
The film follows the NBA star and his teammates as they navigate playing basketball in the public eye and form a lifelong friendship.
Cook, 18, was able to channel the legendary athlete’s high school charm onscreen. What’s especially impressive, though, is Cook’s ability to capture LeBron’s physical greatness on the court, as Cook is a highly-scouted prospect for the upcoming NBA Draft this summer.
The film also stars Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin, who tells PEOPLE he “loves the challenge” of taking on new roles like this one.
The Los Angeles premiere hosted multiple notable names in sports and entertainment, including singer Estelle and Houston Rockets star Jalen Green.
Shooting Stars will premiere on Peacock on June 2,
