Akron Man Starts $1 Million GoFundMe to Build LeBron James Statue

An Akron man wants to build a statue to honor LeBron James.

LeBron James warms up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics.
USA Today Sports

Image via USA TODAY Sports/Greg M. Cooper

LeBron James warms up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics.

With LeBron James having the option to leave Cleveland this offseason, fan bases around the country—from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to Cleveland—have paid for billboards encouraging LBJ to sign with their respective squads. One man from LeBron's hometown is taking a slightly different approach to honor King James: he's hoping to raise $1 million ($1 million!) to build a statue of LeBron in Akron, Ohio.

He publicized the initiative in a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has currently raised just over $1,200—probably going to have a hard time hitting that million mark.

The campaign's creator, Aaron Carey, writes that he played at St. Vincent-St. Mary's, James' alma mater, in the late 2000s.

"I can't help but be inspired by all of the great things LeBron has accomplished on and off the basketball court," Carey writes.

He continues: "As true fans, we believe it is time we show our appreciation by placing a statue in his beloved hometown of Akron, Ohio...we are all in this together and we want your support no matter how small or large, to show our appreciation to LeBron James."

LBJ said he appreciates the initiative.

LeBron James appreciates the efforts of an Akron-area man who’s looking to raise $1 million for a LeBron statue in Akron. #Cavs pic.twitter.com/k5LhIFp1nD

"It would be a cool honor for myself and my family and all the people that had anything to do with this journey thus far," he said Monday.

Statues typically cost $85,000-125,000, per this Los Angeles Times feature on the statues outside the Staples Center, but the price varies depending on the artist and materials.

LBJ led Cleveland to a 111-102 victory Monday, scoring 44 points in 42 minutes, to level the Eastern Conference Finals at two games apiece.

Latest in Sports