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NBA star LeBron James says his new museum is something ‘we can all be proud of’ in Akron
In anticipation of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, House Three Thirty in Akron welcomed hundreds of visitors eager to explore the basketball journey of NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James.
Opened to the public on Saturday morning, LeBron James’ Home Court museum is housed in the renovated former Tangier restaurant, a three-minute drive from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where James rose to national sports prominence as a junior. The museum is also a 44-minute car ride from the Cavs’ home arena in downtown Cleveland, symbolizing the lasting connection between James and the franchise throughout his 21-season professional career.
Following the Lakers’ 121-115 victory over the Cavs, potentially one of James’ final homecoming games, the 38-year-old superstar expressed his thoughts during a news conference about the museum’s unveiling. James, who contributed 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists to the Lakers’ win, emphasized the significance of the museum for his community and foundation.
“It’s just special … for my community, for my foundation, and then the people that have followed me along my journey get an opportunity to be a part of it, feel a part of it,” said James. The museum, featuring his iconic basketball moments, stands as a tribute to his remarkable career and the support he has received from his hometown.
General admission tickets to the museum are priced at $23, a nod to James’ jersey number, and all proceeds from sales will contribute to House Three Thirty’s job training model. This model employs students, parents, educators, and family members associated with the I Promise School, a collaborative effort between The LeBron James Family Foundation and Akron Public Schools.
Reflecting on his contributions to the community, James remarked, “It’s pretty cool that I’ve been able to do some things in my life to bring back to my community, continue to highlight my community and make my community a place where people want to visit, want to see, and want to be proud of it. I am. I’m definitely proud of the fact that my foundation has been able to do some great things. [The museum is] just one of the things that we can all be proud of, for sure, for my hometown.”
