NBA star Lebron James just led his team the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA Championship, and his third. James is considered to be one of the best basketball players ever and was named MVP of the NBA Playoffs.
But did you know that James believes in Jesus Christ?
At least that’s what it seems like given something he said publicly in 2015. His team lost a game in overtime, and it was clear that James was not getting enough support from his teammates. Part of the problem was that two key players were injured at the time, but James pointed out in a post-game interview that getting them back wouldn’t solve the problem alone.
And that’s when he brought up Jesus. Here’s what he said:
When you get your guys back, you prepare just as you prepare before. There’s only one guy ever in the world that everything will be all right when he comes back, and that’s Jesus Christ. Other than that, you can’t bank on nobody being OK.
As one commentator pointed out, “Not only did James invoke his confidence in the name of Jesus, he went beyond where most of only nominal faith will tread, by announcing his certainty in the return of Jesus, which will bring lasting peace and justice to the earth.”
Most recently, after winning game 7 in the NBA Finals, he referenced “the Man above”:
I don’t know why the Man above give me the hardest road, but there’s nothing the Man above don’t put you in situations that you can’t handle. And I just kept that same positive attitude, like, instead of saying ‘why me,’ saying this is what he want me to do.
James attended St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, a private Catholic school in Akron, OH, though it’s not clear whether his family was religious growing up or how seriously he takes the Christian faith today.
Either, say a prayer for him!
[See also: NBA MVP Steph Curry Isn’t Afraid to Talk About His Lord Jesus Christ]
[See also: How Kobe Bryant’s Catholic Faith Pulled Him Through His Darkest Hour]