LeBron James, one of the most iconic basketball players globally, boasts an impressive resume with four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals.

But what might come as a surprise to many fans is the origin of his nickname, “King James.” Where did it come from, when was it first used, and how does LeBron himself feel about it? Let’s delve into the story.

Nicknames often have personal significance, connecting to family, history, or milestones in one’s life. In LeBron James’s case, his moniker traces back to his high school days, even before he set foot on an NBA court. The nickname “King James” emerged during a time when he was still a budding talent, being recognized as a future NBA star.

A local sportswriter in Ohio believed that James possessed the skill set and potential to be compared to basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. As history has shown, this assessment was entirely accurate, given James’s numerous achievements today.

While “King” is the most enduring of his nicknames, James has been associated with several others over the years. These include “Akron Hammer,” paying tribute to his hometown, “L-Train,” a nod to his name and direct playing style, and the not-so-subtle “Chosen One,” which led some to view him as a self-proclaimed prodigy. However, the title of “King” has remained a constant throughout his career. In fact, Nike officially adopted the term in 2003 when James entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall draft pick, accompanied by the largest rookie shoe deal ever signed. This endorsement was a remarkable move for a player who had yet to set foot on the professional court, but it didn’t take long for fans and opponents to realize the aptness of the “King” title.

Interestingly, none of these nicknames were James’s own creations, as explained by one of his childhood friends during an interview in 2021. Randy Mims, a close friend of James, revealed the true origin of “King James,” and it wasn’t the brainchild of a journalist or James himself. Mims recalled a pivotal moment during James’s freshman year when he and Maverick Carter won a state championship. It was then that kids in the vicinity began excitedly referring to James as “King James.” Mims was initially puzzled by the reference and asked one of the kids who this “King James” was. To his surprise, they replied, “You don’t know King James? That’s LeBron James.” Mims shared the amusing discovery with James, who chuckled and confirmed that this is what people had been calling him. It was at that moment that Mims realized the significance of the nickname, “King James,” and how it had become a reality.

LeBron James, then and now, remains a force to be reckoned with, sparking debates about whether he is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). But that’s a story for another time.