To become one of the best NBA players in history requires sacrifice, dedication, and perseverance, but to become a symbol, the idol of millions of people needs much more. That’s why LeBron James did it because he won both on and off the field and Nike couldn’t help but tell his story in one of his winning commercials. 

Beginnings is the title of the video that in little more than a minute not only retraces the stages of the NBA champion’s career but also retraces his life, starting from his humble origins to which he owes his nickname “a kid from Akron” arriving at the opening of “I Promise School”, a school that James himself financed. 

As the images scroll across the screen and the notes of Bon Iver’s “Naeem” resonate in the background, the words of Los Angeles Laker number 23 are lapidary. 

We always hear about an athlete’s humble beginnings.
They’re supposed to be stories that let you know, these people are special.
But you know what would be really special? 
If there were no more humble beginnings.