Step Inside Greatness: The LeBron James’ Home Court experience

By Ciarra Nelson

If you are a basketball or Lebron James fan there is a must-see visual experience, you can’t miss! This unforgettable experience is where you can see a detailed snapshot of the life of NBA Superstar Lebron James. You can visit the new museum dedicated to the Akron native and Los Angeles Lakers Star at his event venue and business space House Three Thirty.  The immersive storytelling multimedia experience, called LeBron James’ Home Court- A walk through the life and legacy of the kid from Akron. The exhibit explores the NBA star’s childhood, teenage years, career, and many accomplishments both on and off the basketball court. It shows never-before-seen items along his journey from Akron to the NBA, Olympics, business, and his family. The LeBron James Family Foundation runs the venue.

When you enter the museum space you grab the key hanging on the string like the one James carried around his neck growing up in the 1990s. Guest use the key to open the door to apartment “602,” like the one where he and his mother Gloria lived. Once inside, you lock the door and enter a replica of James’ childhood apartment, including his living room where it showed his McDonald’s food, TV and much more.

The experience includes the chance to see his bedroom, which is decked out with sneakers, sports posters of stars like Mike Tyson and other athletes James was inspired by. There is also hip-hop music playing as if he is there in his room getting ready for school. It also includes trophies, a stereo, and other things like his TV which was playing a real live historical basketball game with news reporters of that time. The beautiful family photos show that James grew up in a house filled with love and basketball. You can feel the inspiration and motivation and each room.

After the living room, the kitchen, which features some of the cereals James loved as a kid, and bedroom, visitors get to see his high school experience. Visitors can learn about James’ St. Vicent-St. Mary High School by exploring a replica of the school’s locker room. The display shows a piece of the high school’s basketball court, as well as many of James’ high school jerseys and trophies.

Next, the story shifts to James’ professional career. On display is the white suit James’ wore at the 2003 NBA Draft, when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected James as the number one overall pick. The museum also has many artifacts from his first professional experience with the Cavaliers including photos, newspapers, uniforms, and sneakers, and when I say sneakers-there are a lot!

This collection also follows his career moves including his decision to join the Miami Heat in 2010, his return to Cleveland in 2014 and his most recent move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. The next room explores more of his personal life and his professional endeavors off the court. It displays a collection of family photos and screens playing some of the movie series, children’s books, and audio projects he’s helped produce.  Some of the projects his SpringHill Entertainment Company has produced.

The museum also highlights his philanthropic projects, including his education program, I PROMISE. There is a TV screen showing James’ school vows where you hear him speaking to kids about making good decisions, practicing healthy lifestyles, and most importantly, never giving up! One museum-goer Adele Humphrey said, “I think everything Lebron James has done thus far is wonderful…he is a prime example of a great man.” Fans from all over the country have come to visit including Chicago resident Dominque Smith who said “It’s amazing…I love everything he has done for the community and for the kids.” Deanna Green said she is a huge fan and to see Lebron outside of basketball.

Ticket sales proceeds go to James’ I PROMISE school via The James Family Foundation and House Three Thirty’s innovative job ‘training model. The model employs I PROMISE students, parents, educators and family members. For more information and hours of the museum, go to Eventbrite or call 330-572-2885.