Anthony McClelland
Verified by our team
Anthony McClelland became famous because of his biological connection with NBA superstar LeBron James. He is the father that the Los Angeles Lakers star never met.
Yes, McClelland was out of the picture in the life of James. Although he was absent in LeBron's life, the player's father has impacted James' life. Everything about LeBron's father, James, is here in this piece!
Early Life of Anthony McClelland
LeBron's father has not disclosed much of his early life details. Anthony McClelland is said to be born in the late 1960s to early 1970s. As per some internet tabloids, Anthony grew up in Akron, Ohio.
For education, Anthony went to the same school as Gloria, the mother of James, in Akron. He used to play basketball in his high school days.
Relationship Status: Is Anthony McClelland Married?
The personal life of Anthony McClelland remains fuzzy. Apparently, McClelland is not married now. He was not married to the mother of LeBron too.
Anthony met Gloria Marie James in high school in Akron. The loving pair were briefly in a casual relationship with each other. At age 16, Gloria became the mother of Anthony's child, LeBron James.
Mystery person McClelland left his partner Gloria alone with their child. He was not around his son physically or emotionally. It seems like Anthony did not want to take responsibility for the child.
McClelland also had a child with another woman who gave birth to LeBron's half-brother, Aaron McClelland Gamble. Unfortunately, McClelland left the woman and his second son.
Did You Know McClelland Came Back To His Son LeBron James?
McClelland came back for his son once. He tried to reconnect with James in 2002 when he was starting to get the hype of being the next great basketball player.
It was quite obvious to the rising NBA star why his father Anthony would want him back now. Thus, he refused to accept him. Moreover, he considers his mother's boyfriend, Eddie Jackson as his father figure.
Impact of Anthony McClelland on NBA Star's Life
Los Angeles Lakers player, LeBron has said that McClelland is one of the reasons for his success in his life. He uses his father not being around him as fuel for his hard work.
LeBron James has posted
“Like, 'Wow, Dad, you know what, I don't know you, I have no idea who you are, but because of you is part of the reason who I am today.' The fuel that I use—you not being there—it's part of the reason I grew up to become who I am. It's part of the reason why I want to be hands-on with my endeavors... So me in a position allowing people around me to grow, that maybe wouldn't have happened if I had two parents, two sisters, a dog, and a picket fence, you know?"
James has become a strong independent man because his father was absent from protecting and providing for him. Although he has resentment towards, Anthony the NBA star expressed his gratitude for him not being around.
NBA Star Wants To Be A Good Father Figure To His Children
LeBron James is married to Savannah James and has three children i.e Zhuri, Bronny, and Bryce Maximus. He had a tough childhood without a father figure. He was raised by his 16-year-old mother alone.
Learning from his childhood, James has made it his mission to be a good father to his children, It was evident during an interview in 2018, where he shared his story of growing up without a father and how it motivated him to be a better dad.
LeBron has fulfilled his promise of being a better father, often seen praising and supporting his children on Instagram. He has prioritized family over his career by moving to the Los Angeles Lakers based on his family's preference.
After the death of Kobe Bryant in 2020, Anthony's son LeBron realized that family time brought true happiness and has made it a priority to be involved in his children's lives.
James' journey of overcoming a difficult childhood and using it as motivation to be a better parent is inspiring. It is evident in his commitment to being a father figure to his children.
Anthony McClelland's Current Whereabouts
McClelland, LeBron James' biological father, has a lengthy criminal record. In 2002, he was arrested for theft and arson and has been in and out of prison for minor offenses ever since.
Many believe the NBA star's father, Anthony, is dead now. There have been allegations that McClelland committed identity fraud, with his picture showing up in a search for Roland Givons, who passed away in the 1990s.
Some sources claim Anthony is still alive. The lack of clarity on this matter adds to the mystery surrounding McClelland's past and his potential connection to LeBron James.
Quick Information On Gloria Marie James
Anthony was in a casual relationship with Gloria. She became the mother of LeBron James, one of the greatest NBA players of all time at the age of 16.
Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1968, Gloria was left to raise her young son and two brothers after her mother, Freda James, passed away due to a sudden heart attack. Due to this, she could not continue her education.
Gloria gifted LeBron a $50,000 Hummer H2 for his 18th birthday. It caused controversy and an investigation by the Ohio High School Athletic Association on this Lavish Gift. She said it was on loan.
Today, the celebrity mother, Gloria, has a strong presence on social media platforms. She has over 178k followers on her Instagram account @gloriajames.
Anthony McClelland's Net Worth
Anthony's professional life is not known as his personal life. He has been in jail for many offenses. His son, LeBron James, on the other hand, is one of the wealthiest athletes globally and has a net worth of $1.2 billion.
Most of LeBron's riches come from his $385 million NBA salary for his long career, along with numerous endorsements and business ventures. He invests in real estate, owning a $10 million mansion in Akron and two homes in LA, with a combined worth of $59.75 million.
James also owns a 10% stake in LeBron James Blaze Pizza, which he purchased for less than $1 million in 2012. He invested a portion of his wealth in sports teams, including a $1 billion stake in the British soccer club, Liverpool FC, and part ownership of the Boston Red Sox.
Many People Have Claimed To Be LeBron's Biological Father
Yes, many people have claimed that they were the biological father of the NBA star LeBron. It is widely believed that McClelland is the biological father of LeBron James, despite other individuals making claims to the title.
Leicester Bryce Stovell sued LeBron for paternity rights but was proven to not be his father through a DNA test. Though McClelland has not publicly acknowledged his relationship with LeBron, there are reports that he had a romantic relationship with Gloria, LeBron's mother, around the time of his birth.
The knowledge of LeBron's biological father could offer insight into his upbringing and personal life, but regardless of his parentage, LeBron's impact on basketball and success is indisputable.
For more celebrity reads like this, Visit our site, Married Celeb.