LeBron James (1984–) emerged as a high school basketball phenomenon in 2003. The Akron, Ohio, native and son of a single mother moved directly from high school to the National Basketball Association and exceeded the high expectations placed on him. He has been called the best basketball player in the world. His prime sponsor is Nike, which, like his adoring fans, adores his regal charm and prowess. He has been called “King James.” When James left the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012 to join the Miami Heat, his fans were so embittered that some burned his jersey in effigy. Some black leaders accused his owners of treating James like a runaway slave simply because he left the Cavaliers. James continues to excel, however, and took his new team to a world championship in 2012 and 2013. He also was a member of the successful U.S. team that played in the 2012 Olympics in London.