Jay-Z and Lebron James performing for Obama at the “Last Chance For Change” Concert in Ohio. He has really been putting in work for Barry!

James is the rarest of athletes, a phenom who has actually exceeded the enormous expectations that trailed him out of an Akron, Ohio, high school. He skipped college for the pros in 2003 and guided his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to the NBA finals last year. This season he became the youngest player in NBA history to score 10,000 career points. He has earned more than $165 million in salary and endorsements.

Only 23, James is now the voice of the U.S. team. “When you watch us play this summer, you’re going to be hearing LeBron on the court, yelling and screaming, talking on defense,” says Wade. “There’s going to be that leadership that we need.” On a team filled with All-Stars and Great Wall-size egos, James insists he can still treat Jason Kidd, a 14-year NBA vet, and Bryant, the league’s reigning mvp, like green rookies if they screw up. He’ll feel free to scream in their face. “I can’t play unless I’m that type,” he says. “There’s no way I can hold back.”
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