The true story of LeBron James and Fab 5

Netflix's 2024 slate so far is very impressive. From releasing original content to producing commercially viable shows and movies, the OTT platform knows how to captivate its audience. Netflix has now released the inspiring story of LeBron James in its latest film Shooting stars.

The biographical sports drama revolves around the high school sports career of LeBron James. Directed by Chris Robinson, the film stars Mookie Cook. The story of Shooting stars is based on the 2009 memoir of the same name that LeBron James co-wrote with Buzz Bissinger. The film has been released on Netflix and is a fun title that you can't miss. But before you stream the LeBron James movie, let's learn a little more about the true events that inspired the plot of Shooting stars.

A walk into the past with Shooting stars

In addition to Mookie Cook, the film also stars Caleb McLaughlin as Dru Joyce III, Algee Smith as Illya McGee, Dermot Mulroney as Keith Dambrot, Wood Harris as Dru Joyce II, Natalie Paul as Gloria James, Katlyn Nichol as Savannah James, Avery Wills as Willie McGee, Scoot Henderson as Romeo Travis, Khalil Everage as Sian Cotton and Jett Howard as Carmelo Anthony. Shooting stars tells how LeBron James and his friends became the best high school team in the country and how this launched James' career as a four-time NBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Who is LeBron James?

LeBron James plays basketball professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans of National Basketball Association (NBA) games call him “King James” because he is widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He has been part of 10 NBA Finals and has won four NBA championships. James is currently the oldest player in the NBA.

A look at his early life

Born in Akron, Ohio, LeBron James had a very tragic childhood. His mother, Gloria Marie James, was only 16 when she gave birth to him and his father, Anthony McClelland, had an extensive criminal record. He was never involved in LeBron's life. As he grew up, his family moved from one place to another depending on what kind of work Gloria could do. Then he met Frank Walker, a local youth soccer coach. He introduced James to the sport. To provide her son with a better family environment to grow up in, Gloria decided to let him live with Frank. LeBron was nine when he first held a basketball. A glimpse into his early life will be part of the Netflix film Shooting stars.

Growing passion for basketball

The athlete began playing organized basketball in fifth grade. He later played for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). James and his friends – Dru Joyce III, Romeo Travis, Willie McGee and Brandon Weems – played so well that the team enjoyed success at the local and national level. They formed a group called the “Fab Five” and promised each other that they would go to high school together. The Fab Five then attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, a private Catholic school with a predominantly white student body.

The beginning of his high school career

James was a 6'2″ freshman, which served him well. As a member of the St. Vincent-St. Mary varsity basketball team, he averaged 21 points and 6 rebounds per game. The Fighting Irish won the Division III state title with a 27-0 record and were the only boys high school team in Ohio to finish the season undefeated.

During his sophomore year, James averaged 25.2 points and 7.2 rebounds, along with 5.8 assists and 3.8 steals per game. At one of his home games for St. Vincent at the University of Akron's 5,492-seat Rhodes Arena, alumni, fans, and college and NBA scouts came to see James play. The Fighting Irish finished the season 26-1, and the team was again state champions. James was named Ohio Mr. Basketball for his spectacular performance. He was also selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team, becoming the first sophomore to accomplish both feats.

During his junior year in 2001, an article about James appeared in Strike Magazine. He was the first freshman high school basketball student to appear on the cover Sports illustrated. During his junior year, he averaged 29 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 3.3 steals per game. He was again named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team.

Then came senior year, the basketball champions played several games across the country. A game James' team played against Oak Hill Academy in 2002 was nationally televised. ^ “ESPN2: The Return of the Superstar”. LeBron averaged 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.4 steals per game. He participated in three year-end high school basketball all-star games, including the EA Sports Roundball Classic, the Jordan Brand Capital Classic and the McDonald's All-American Game. After losing his eligibility to play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), he officially entered the 2003 NBA Draft.

Controversies in the final year

His senior year was not easy for James. When his mother gave him a Hummer H2 for his 18th birthday, using James' future income as an NBA player, the NBA player circumvented the state's amateur bylaws. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) investigated him because no amateur is allowed to accept gifts valued at over $100 as a reward for athletic performance. He received a clear reprimand in this case, however. However, when he took two $845 retro jerseys from a city clothing store and posed for photos with them, he officially violated OHSAA policy and was disqualified from participating in high school sports. He appealed, and his punishment was commuted to a two-game suspension. James played for the rest of the year. Upon his return, James scored 52 points, the highest score of his career.

What happened to the Fab Five?

Dru Joyce III, Romeo Travis, Willie McGee, Brandon Weems and James LeBron chose not to capitalize on each other's popularity in their careers. Sian Cotton did not pursue the NBA path, but instead devoted himself to football in college. Willie McGee played basketball on the international stage and in various European leagues. Romeo Travis played for the University of Akron. In his outstanding senior year (2006-2007), he won awards such as Associated Press All-American and Mid-American Conference Player of the Year. Travis played in international leagues, while Dru Joyce III played basketball at the University of Akron, after which he found his calling as a coach and motivational speaker.

Hero and Feature Image: Courtesy of IMDb

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is Shooting stars Is the film based on a true story?
Yes, that Shooting stars The film is based on a true story about LeBron James.

– What is the Shooting stars Movie about?
The film is about LeBron James and how his high school basketball team helped him build his career.

– Is Shooting stars real or fake?
The film is based on a true story and is therefore real.

– What happens at the end of Shooting stars?
The end of Shooting stars shows that the gang did not split up and remained good friends.