LeBron James takes off in Toledo, 2003

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Print features Blade original photo of NBA champion LeBron James' high school playoff appearance in Toledo in 2003 — includes digitized authentic Blade nameplate from the original date, detail of Blade newspaper article, and caption text contextualizing the event. (Customization available.)

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Print features Blade original photo of NBA champion LeBron James' high school playoff appearance in Toledo in 2003 — includes digitized authentic Blade nameplate from the original date, detail of Blade newspaper article, and caption text contextualizing the event. (Customization available.)

▶ BUY ONLY INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS

Read more about this print:

CAPTION TEXT ON PRINT:

LeBron James was named Ohio’s Mr. Basketball in 2001, 2002, and 2003. As a junior, he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and was dubbed “The Chosen One.” Also known as “King James,” he drew crowds of fans, scouts, and media to his high school basketball games. Young and old alike knew they were watching someone special when they saw him play. 
At the University of Toledo’s Savage Hall, LeBron would not disappoint, thrilling the crowd with a between-the-legs pass, a reverse dunk, and full-speed fast breaks. The photograph above captures LeBron soaring for a dunk as his team from Akron, St. Vincent-St. Mary, was in the midst of dismantling overmatched Tallmadge High School in Ohio’s Division II regional semifinals. The Fighting Irish would win 82-32 and his team cruised to a state championship that year.
After graduating high school in 2003, 18-year-old LeBron was the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. 
BLADE PHOTOS BY ANDY MORRISON & JETTA FRASER