LeBron James is an icon of American basketball, who over the years has become a true living legend beyond the sport. But "King James", as he was nicknamed since high school for his charismatic aura, is not only one of the strongest, most versatile, and high-performing basketball players in history. The nearly 40-year-old from Akron, Ohio, is also deeply involved in social causes.
In addition to his sports achievements, the global basketball star and Los Angeles Lakers player - flag bearer at the Paris 2024 Olympics - continues his work as a philanthropist and activist, further cementing his status as a role model in civil society. "The Chosen One" embodies the values of hard work, determination, and using his image to do good. And it's not as straightforward as it might seem.
Photo Credit: Canyon
The Bicycle in LeBron James' Lifees
LeBron James' special bond with the bicycle began at an early age: "Riding a bike has always been important in my life. As a kid, it was how I got around, with friends or to go train, but most importantly, it allowed me to access things that would have otherwise been out of my reach. Even now, as an adult, riding a bike makes me feel like a kid again".
Just as many NBA athletes consider cycling an auxiliary sport to basketball (see Reggie Miller, Dwayne Wade, and Leandrinho Barbosa), LeBron James has always openly spoken about his love for cycling as a great alternative to stay mentally and physically fit: "There’s nothing better than feeling the wind on your face and that freedom to just ride".
Photo Credit: Canyon
A program for students, "Find Your Freedom" and collaboration with Canyon Bicycles
The impact of cycling on LeBron James' life has been so profound that he wanted the same effect on many young people. And so it was, because through the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF), the Lakers' forward transmits his passion for cycling to the students of his hometown, Akron. Thanks to the I PROMISE program - active since 2011 - the LJFF promotes mobility, accessibility, and fitness by providing each student in the program with a brand new bike, as a promise to commit to leading a healthy and active lifestyle, and to achieve good academic results by persevering through their studies.
Moreover, in mid-2022, LeBron James began a collaboration with Canyon Bicycles, the iconic cycling brand that has continued to inspire millions of people and make them fall in love with cycling in all its forms: road, MTB, and gravel. From this shared vision, "Find Your Freedom", the initiative aimed at inspiring as many people as possible to ride and share the great potential that cycling can unlock, the lessons it can teach, and the freedom it can offer: "Bikes are an incredible facilitator of performance, freedom, and personal improvement - said LeBron James - regardless of cultural background".
"Find Your Freedom" will feature the collaboration of current road cycling world champion Mathieu van der Poel, as well as freeriders Fabio Wibmer and Samantha Soriano, gravel rider Andrew Jackson, CANYON//SRAM Generation rider Diane Ingabire, and female MTB promise Olivia Silva. Canyon Bike will also support the I PROMISE program of the LeBron James Family Foundation as a new bike sponsor.
Photo Credit: Canyon
Canyon on Bikeroom
Canyon Bicycle is available on Bikeroom with the Ultimate CF SLX 2020 from Team Movistar. With an unparalleled stiffness-to-weight ratio and optimized aerodynamics, the Ultimate CF SLX is a racing bike capable of delivering high performance and satisfying both professionals and amateurs while maintaining a clean and essential line and great handling.
