Sports

Teen's Dying Wish to Shake LeBron James' Hand Comes True on Christmas

Corey Groves, 17, was diagnosed with stage four sarcoma cancer and was told he only has a year to live.

lebron james
Image via Getty
Getty

A teen whose dying wish was to meet LeBron James and shake his hand, turned his dreams into reality on Christmas Day.

Corey Groves, 17, was diagnosed with stage four sarcoma cancer and was told he only has a year to live.

"Before getting sick, I would eat, sleep basketball,” the Brampton teen told the Toronto Sun earlier this month. "Chances are [being in L.A. for the Christmas Day game] will be my last holiday ever. I’m hoping to spread the word and maybe get Lebron’s attention so I can shake my hero’s hand."

Groves made the trip to Los Angeles for Wednesday's game, and even though it wasn't a sure bet that LeBron was going to be able to play in the game due to a groin injury, Groves was able to meet the superstar during the team's walkthrough.

Groves, who has amassed a sizable following on Instagram, posted a photo of the meeting to his page. "Merry Christmas," he wrote in the caption. "I got my wish. So thankful to everyone that helped make this happen."

Groves' mother and younger brother also made the trip from Canada to Los Angeles for the game.

And like most of us, Groves is also impressed with James' off-court exploits. "LeBron James just does so many good things off and on the court. Recently he fed tacos to the first responders – no one is asking him to do that but he goes ahead and does it anyways," Groves told CTV News Toronto. "Some athletes are there for the money but he really cares about this job."

Related Stories

LeBron James Knicks Cavs Cleveland 2017
Sports

LeBron James's Greatest Beefs

King James has been known to mix it up with individuals on—and off–the court. These are the most notorious beefs LeBron's had as a professional.

Chris Gaine3428 days ago
Not Available Lead
Style

Style History: LeBron James

See how far Bron Bron's style has come.

Karizza Sanchez4862 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App