Anthony McClelland – Father of LeBron James [Updated 2023]

Anthony McClelland is a name that is synonymous with success in the world of sports. However, he is perhaps best known for his impressive basketball career. It spanned several years and saw him playing for several NBA teams.

There have been rumors regarding LeBron James‘ biological father, Anthony. However, other individuals claim to be his father. One of these claimants was Leicester Bryce Stovell. He took legal action against LeBron, but a DNA test disproved his claim.

There is some mystery surrounding Anthony McClelland, his birth name was Roland Bivens. Bivens faked his death in a drive-by shooting in 1994. However, he later changed his name to McClelland to avoid going to jail.

LeBron has expressed resentment toward his father. However, in 2014, he sent a message to McClelland on Instagram. Furthermore, LeBron thanks him for not being present in his life.

LeBron James’ Instagram post demonstrates that he may still have negative feelings toward his absent father. He also acknowledges the role his upbringing played in shaping the person he is today.

Further investigation may be necessary to uncover more information about this mysterious figure. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life of Anthony McClelland. Furthermore, we will discuss the early years of his life and career in basketball.

Anthony McClelland Quick Facts

 Wiki/Bio

Body Stats

Family

Net Worth

Anthony McClelland Early Life

Anthony McClelland was born in the United States in the late 1970s. He grew up in a family that was enthusiastic about sports. As a child, he showed a particular aptitude for basketball. Moreover, he began to focus on this sport in his teenage years.

In addition to basketball, McClelland excelled in football and track and field. He was a gifted athlete with a natural talent for physical pursuits. Furthermore, he quickly made a name for himself in his local community as a standout performer.

Anthony’s girlfriend, Gloria James, and their son, Lebron, hesitate to disclose much information about him. Gloria James gave birth to their son, LeBron James. Moreover, Gloria and Anthony were in a causal relationship. 

However, Gloria was only sixteen years old at the time. Consequently, Anthony proved to be an unsupportive father with an extensive criminal history. He did not contribute to child support, leaving Gloria to raise LeBron alone.

Gloria and her mother, grandmother, and two brothers lived together. Soon after, her mother and grandmother passed away. However, Gloria had to provide for herself, LeBron, and her brothers alone. 

Despite their challenges, Anthony McClelland was not present to support them. Thus, Gloria had to move from one apartment to another. 

Nevertheless, the absence of Anthony fueled LeBron’s motivation to work harder and pursue his dreams with passion. The NBA star’s father is not remembered by his son, and they do not have a common last name.

Career Life

There is limited available information regarding the professional career of Anthony McClelland. However, he deviated from the right path from an early age. However, he struggled to make a respectable living.

In 2002, McClelland was arrested for serious crimes such as arson and theft. Subsequently, he became trapped in a cycle of repeatedly reoffending for minor offenses and being incarcerated.

Who is LeBron James

LeBron James was born on December 30th, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, United States. Anthony McClelland, his biological father, left Gloria when he found out about her pregnancy. Despite this, LeBron takes it as a positive influence on his life. 

Gloria dedicated her entire life and efforts to raising her son. At 9, she had to make the difficult decision to leave LeBron under the care of his football coach.

LeBron’s basketball career began to flourish during his time in high school. There he earned the title of Ohio Mr. Basketball. In 2003, he was selected in the NBA draft and was picked to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Later, in 2010, he joined the Miami Heat and returned to the Cavaliers in later years. In 2018, James joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he is still a member.

LeBron James is also known as King James. Furthermore, he is considered one of the most successful NBA celebrity ever. However, he is also even been compared to Michael Jordan. 

He has won 4 NBA championships throughout his career. Moreover, in February 2023, he broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s record for the most points scored in the NBA. LeBron married his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson. The couple has three children together.

James’ Relationship with Anthony

LeBron James’ has a strained relationship with his father, Anthony McClelland. As a result, LeBron felt abandoned and struggled with negative emotions that were difficult to overcome.

Although LeBron had already established himself as a basketball star by that time. However, Anthony attempted to reconnect with him in 2002. LeBron declined the invitation because he believed his father was only interested in being present for the good times. 

Furthermore, LeBron was concerned about the negative impact of his father’s criminal record. However, LeBron has credited the experience with shaping him into the man he is today. 

He chose to channel the negative energy from his childhood into a source of strength. And this has helped him become one of the most successful athletes ever.

“Hike, 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. 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… 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?”

Net Worth

There is no such information about Anthony McClelland’s net worth. However, LeBron James is the fifth highest-paid player in the NBA in terms of salary. Furthermore, he also earns a significant amount from appearances and brand deals. 

His earnings from salary stand at approximately $400 million. Moreover, he makes an astounding $600 million from endorsements.

LeBron James owns two residences in Brentwood, to the Westside of Los Angeles. The first one is valued at $21 million, while the latter mansion is worth $23 million.

Apart from these properties, he also possesses a $10 million house in Akron, Ohio. A luxurious spread in Beverly Hills, valued at $36.5 million. Moreover, James has invested over $700 million in various businesses and companies.

FAQ’S

Did Anthony McClelland play basketball?

Anthony was a multi-sport athlete but gained the most recognition for his successful basketball career. He has been a member of multiple NBA teams.

Who is LeBron James’ birth father?

LeBron James’ biological father is Anthony McClelland. Nonetheless, Gloria James, LeBron’s mother, raised him.

Does LeBron James have a relationship with his father?

LeBron James has never had a relationship with his biological father. Furthermore, Anthony has never been involved in his life in any way.

What happened to LeBron James’s dad?

The James family does not confirm the identity of LeBron James’ biological father. However, Anthony is widely believed to be his father. Roland Bivens is another name that has been associated with the topic. However, Anthony was shot and killed when James was 8 years old.

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