LeBron James thanks father for never being there

LeBron James and his multimillion fortune are not going to get much sympathy from your average American, but everyone has their problems. For LeBron, one of them was growing up without a father.

LeBron’s mother Gloria gave birth to him when she was 16. His father, Anthony McClelland, was never in the picture. During his recent interview with GQ Magazine, LeBron said his father’s absence is one of the reasons he has become the man he is today.

“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.'” James said. “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. And be able to put my guys that’s with me now in position.

“Like Maverick Carter, my right-hand guy in my business. Rich Paul, my agent. Randy Mims, my friend — he’s my manager, you know. 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?”

LeBron also posted the quote in a graphic on his Instagram page Wednesday night.

“Because of you Pops! Thanks all along,” he wrote alongside the photo. “Could have said why me with u not being there but look what I made of myself. Thanks to Huffington Post for the graphic. #StriveForGreatness”

Whether you like LeBron or not, I think we can all agree he turned out just fine. Growing up without a father can’t be easy. Unfortunately, it’s an obstacle many people are unable to overcome. LeBron deserves to take pride in the way he handled it.