We Are Family

LeBron James grew up in Akron, Ohio. Like Lorain, Ohio, the city of Akron is an underserved community. Like Jayden, James saw basketball as a way to reach an elite socioeconomic status and take care of his family. In an interview with People, James confirmed that he feels a “natural connection” with Jayden (Gilette, Sam. “How LeBron James’ Love of Basketball and Being Raised by a Single Mom Inspired New Kids’ Book.” People, 2 Sept. 2021). Aside from sharing Jayden’s dedication to basketball, James’s childhood mirrors Jayden’s. James’s father was absent, and he had a close relationship with his mother, who supported him and motivated him to succeed. Like Jayden and the members of Hoop Group, James became part of a legendary amateur team, the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars. As with the Hoop Group members, the Shooting Stars developed a family-like bond, with James and three other members playing for the same high school, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. After Jayden makes the winning shot in the tournament, he’s recruited to play for an elite high school. In terms of basketball and family dynamics, Jayden is an autobiographical character for James.