7 Instances Of LeBron James Being A Good Guy This Week

If only there was a “Good Guy of the Week” award for Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James.

We’ve been distracted by talk about the Cleveland Cavaliers and rest but LeBron James has done quite a few good things this week.

First, he provided the disabled kids who want to still have fun and compete in sports with a velcro-strapped version of his LeBron Soldier X’s. This version is called the FlyEase. The Soldier X’s were the shoes LeBron wore in Game 7. In that game, James had his infamous block on what could have been a game-clinching layup by Andre Iguodala.

That moment more or less sealed the Cleveland Cavaliers’ chance at victory as it was what led to “The Shot” by Kyrie Irving. It was the first championship in franchise history and ended a 52-year championship drought for Cleveland professional sports franchises. A drought that began to be known as “The Curse”.

Second, he showed the impact that the LeBron James Family Foundation is having on children and parents alike. James’ concern for and support of his hometown of Akron, Ohio has led to his catchphrase “Just a kid from Akron”. A phrase that’s become the slogan for the organization.

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/842139538248069121

Third, he offered words of encouragement for anybody dealing with adversity. James, who famously went through his own dark days when he left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat and with multiple losses in the NBA Finals (all except one loss came despite doing everything humanly possible to win), is a great inspiration for those wondering how to leave those dark thoughts behind and achieve their dreams.

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/842905913325367296

Fourth, he showed his support for two Cleveland natives who are participating in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Sharita Taylor, a skater who was part of the Parade of Athletes in the opening ceremony, is a big fan of LeBron. Once live on air, Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts gave LeBron a shoutout on behalf of Taylor. This was LeBron’s response.

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/843120744171163649

Fifth, LeBron showed his unwavering support for his alma mater and high school coach Dru Joyce of St. Vincent – St. Mary’s. Joyce provided LeBron with the mentor he needed, having met James when he was nine years old, being the father of one of James’ childhood friends and being James’ coach for the final two years of his high school career. Without Joyce, LeBron could have made it. However, Coach Dru undoubtedly had a positive impact on James and his values.

Sixth, he praised a man who stopped a street fight between two young kids. While many people might not realize the impact that this type of mentoring can have on kids, particularly young black men, what we see here is violence falling in the wayside for diplomacy and cooperation to prevail. Especially considering the current social climate, that’s a lesson that everyone should consider. You never know what could be the act that becomes the turning point for a child’s life. This could do nothing but positive things for all parties involved and that’s why it should be praised.

Last, but certainly not least, he stood up for his own kids and their own confidence by telling LaVar Ball to leave his kids out of whatever he’s doing, “dad to dad”. In the process, he still managed to praise Lonzo Ball’s talents. What James did here was an example of great parenting; while LaVar may not have been trying to take a direct shot at James’ kids in saying they have less of a chance to succeed because their father’s famous, he still put a cap on their potential. In general, he mentioned his kids in the first place when he didn’t have to and shouldn’t have done so. It’s similar to if he mentioned James’ wife for no reason. It’s something that crosses the line.

For the record, James’ sons are pretty good.

LeBron should win the “Good Guy of the Week” award, even if it doesn’t exist. He’s been an exemplary role model off-the-court and a person that anybody could emulate.

Related Story: Why LeBron James Was Right In Calling Out LaVar Ball

What do you think of the things LeBron James has done this week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.