What is LeBron James's birthplace?

LeBron James was born in Akron, Ohio, on December 30, 1984.

He was born at what is now Cleveland Clinic Akron General, then known as Akron General Medical Center. James was raised primarily by his mother, Gloria, and grew up in Akron, where basketball quickly became central to his life.

James attended St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron. His spectacular performances there made him a national phenomenon before he played a professional game. The school’s success and his hometown roots helped make his eventual selection by the nearby Cleveland Cavaliers especially meaningful.

A common mix-up is Cleveland, Ohio, because Akron is part of the same broader Northeast Ohio region and James later became closely associated with Cleveland. However, his birthplace is specifically Akron, not Cleveland, Columbus, or Dayton. Akron is also the hometown of several other famous figures, including singer Chrissie Hynde and aviation pioneer John Glenn.