Anthony McClelland Is Lebron James’ Dad Who He Has Never Met

LeBron James has cemented himself as a legend in the game of basketball, but little is known of his difficult childhood and that LeBron James's Dad, Anthony McClelland, was absent from his son's life.

LeBron James has become one of the most highly decorated basketball players of the 21st century; he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers and has demonstrated his skill and talent on the court for years.

The basketball player and his wife, Savannah James, have celebrated years of marriage and welcomed three children. Their eldest, LeBron "Bronny" James Jr., their second son, Bryce Maximus, and their daughter, Zhuri Nova. James's sons followed in their father's footsteps and set their sites on becoming professional basketball players.

Bronny and Bryce joined their father on the cover of Sports Illustrated, where LeBron spoke about his hope of one day playing in the NBA with his sons:

"I put it in the air because I like to talk to the basketball gods out there and see if things can come to fruition."

Anthony McClelland Is Lebron James's Dad

LeBron grew up without a relationship with his father despite becoming a doting dad. His mother, Gloria James, was a sophomore in high school when she fell pregnant with him. She had a sexual relationship with LeBron’s father, Anthony McClelland, but McClelland did not remain in either Gloria's or LeBron’s life.

Having a child at such a young age proved difficult for Gloria; LeBron revealed he moved seven times in a year, with his mother reminding him never to get too comfortable as they might need to move again.

Despite the financial hardship, LeBron said his mother did a great job providing him with everything he needed, sharing that she ensured he had gifts for special occasions like Christmas and his birthday. When asked if he had compassion for his mother, LeBron said:

"Absolutely. Absolutely. A lot of my drive and what I do is because of her."

LeBron revealed that he had never met his father and had no idea how young his mother was when he was born. According to Gloria, McClelland attempted to return to their lives but had a criminal record; he had been convicted of arson and theft, among other charges.

LeBron shared that he resented his father during his younger years, but as he grew older, he began to empathize with McClelland. LeBron said his father's absence made him the father he came to be, and he ensured he set an example for his children so they never grew to have the same resentment.

In 2014, LeBron shared a post on Instagram dedicated to his father, where he wrote that his father's absence led to the man he became. Despite not knowing his father, he still grew as a person and used his father's absence as fuel to be hands-on and allow the people around him to grow. He wrote in the caption:

"Because of you Pops! Thanks all along. Could have said why me with (you) not being there but look what I made of myself. "

The Man Called Himself Lebron James's Dad and Sued Him

In 2022, Leicester Stovell sued LeBron and his mother for $ 4 million, accusing them of defamation, misrepresentation, and fraud after a negative DNA test.

Stovell had an alleged sexual relationship with Gloria when he was 29, and she was 15. Ashamed, he never contacted her again until years later; Gloria suspected him of ill-intention and turned him away.

When LeBron heard of the news, he agreed to a paternity test that proved Stovell was not his father. After pressing charges, a judge hastily dismissed the case.

Despite never meeting his father, it never stopped LeBron James from being a great one; his children frequent his Instagram page, and so does his mother, who he gives all the credit for his career.