LeBron James' dad, Anthony McClelland, has remained largely absent from his life, with a history of criminal activity and limited involvement, but his absence has motivated LeBron to become a dedicated father and mentor to those around him.
LeBron James has often credited his success to the people who supported him, particularly his mother, Gloria James.
She raised him alone, doing everything possible to give him a better future. However, one person who was never part of that journey was his father, Anthony McClelland.
What happened to LeBron James dad?
Anthony McClelland and Gloria James had a brief relationship, but he did not take responsibility when she became pregnant.
Beyond being absent, McClelland had a history of legal trouble, with multiple run-ins with the law, including theft and arson charges.
His repeated offenses led to multiple stints in prison, and he never provided any financial or emotional support for his son. While his absence left a void in LeBron's life, it ultimately became a source of motivation.
LeBron James' dad has remained largely out of the public eye despite his troubled past in recent years.
Some sources suggest that he has turned his life around and is now living a crime-free life in the United States.
However, details about McClelland's current situation remain unclear, and there is little verified information about whether he has made efforts to reconnect with his son.
Is LeBron James dad still alive?
As we mentioned earlier, there is very little verified information about LeBron James dad.
However, according to the Akron Beacon Journal, there's a record claiming that Anthony R. McClelland, better known as "Anky," passed away on July, 25, 2024 in Akron, Ohio.
Nevertheless, there's no additional or personal information included, so it's not possible to verify whether it's actually LeBron James dad.
LeBron James relationship with his dad
LeBron has spoken openly about how growing up without a father influenced him – not just as an athlete, but as a man.
Reflecting on his father's absence, LeBron once took an opportunity to explain how his father played a huge role in him becoming one of the greatest basketball players ever.
"Like, wow, Dad, you know what, I don't know you, I have no idea who you are, but because of you is part of the reason who I am today.'," LeBron said. "The fuel that I use – you not being there – it's part of the reason I grew up to become who I am. It's part of the reason why I want to be hands-on with my endeavors."
"And be able to put my guys that's with me now in position. Like Maverick Carter, my right-hand guy in my business. Rich Paul, my agent. Randy Mims, my friend – he's my manager, you know.
"So me in a position allowing people around me to grow, that maybe wouldn't have happened if I had two parents, two sisters, a dog, and a picket fence, you know?" His success wasn't just about basketball – it was about taking control of his future and helping those around him do the same," LeBron concluded.
LeBron's story is about more than just his accomplishments on the court. It is a testament to resilience and the power of personal choices.
Rather than allowing his father's absence to define him, he used it as fuel to build a better future – for himself and his family.
In the end, LeBron James' legacy extends beyond basketball. He is proof that circumstances do not determine success – determination and the willingness to break cycles do.
