Anthony McClelland: The Untold Story of LeBron James’ Father

LeBron James is one of the biggest names in basketball. He plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and is loved by millions around the world. He often talks proudly about his mother, his wife, and his children. But there’s one person he rarely talks about — his father, Anthony McClelland.

For years, fans have wondered: Who is LeBron James’ father? Why was he never in LeBron’s life? And where is he now?

In this article, we’ll share the full story of Anthony McClelland — LeBron’s real dad. From his troubled past to the way he shaped LeBron’s future without ever being there, here’s everything you need to know.

Anthony McClelland Quick Bio

Who Is Anthony McClelland?

Anthony McClelland was born in the 1960s in Akron, Ohio, the same city where LeBron was born. He is African-American and believed to still be living in Akron, but his exact whereabouts are not known.

He’s not famous for anything other than being known as LeBron James’ father. Sadly, he didn’t become part of LeBron’s life. In fact, he’s mostly known for not being around at all.

Anthony lived a rough life. He was arrested many times for crimes like arson and theft. These troubles kept him in and out of jail for most of his life. That’s part of why he wasn’t there for his son.

The Teenage Love Story with Gloria James

In the early 1980s, Anthony McClelland had a short relationship with a young girl named Gloria James. Gloria was just 16 years old when she became pregnant with LeBron.

Their relationship didn’t last long. When Gloria told Anthony about the pregnancy, he walked away. He didn’t want to be a father, and he left Gloria to handle everything on her own.

This left Gloria in a tough position. She was still in high school, had no partner, and had very little money. But even with all those struggles, she decided to keep the baby — and raise him by herself.

LeBron James’ Childhood Without a Father

Growing up, LeBron never met his father. He had no contact, no support, and no memories of Anthony McClelland. Everything he learned came from his mother and the strong people in his community.

Life was not easy. Gloria and LeBron had to move a lot. In one year alone, they moved seven different times. Sometimes they stayed with friends. Sometimes they had nowhere stable to go. But Gloria always reminded LeBron to never get too comfortable, because they might have to leave again.

Still, Gloria did her best. LeBron has said in interviews that even during hard times, his mom always made sure he had something for his birthday or Christmas. Her love helped him stay strong.

LeBron James’ Father, Anthony McClellan, had a Dark Past

Anthony McClelland didn’t just leave — he lived a life filled with crime and arrests. He was charged with arson (setting fire to property), theft, and other crimes.

Because of this, he spent a lot of time in prison. In 2002, when LeBron was becoming a rising star in high school, Anthony tried to come back into his life. But LeBron refused. After all those years of silence and trouble, he didn’t want anything to do with him.

Anthony’s past made it hard to be part of any family. And for LeBron, the door had already closed.

How LeBron James Turned Pain Into Power

Even though LeBron James grew up without a dad, he didn’t let that stop him. In fact, he used that pain as motivation to succeed.

He has often said that his father’s absence helped shape him. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he focused on becoming the best version of himself — and becoming the father he never had.

In 2014, LeBron posted a message on Instagram that shocked many people. He thanked his dad for being absent. Yes, you read that right — he said that not having a father made him stronger. It helped him grow into the man he is today.

“Because of you Pops! Thanks all along… look what I made of myself.”

LeBron now has three children of his own — Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri — and he is very involved in their lives. He takes them to games, supports their dreams, and shares his journey with them. He made sure that the pain he felt would not be passed down.

Is Anthony McClelland Still Alive Today?

Many people still ask: Where is Anthony McClelland now? Is he still alive?

As of 2025, no one knows for sure. Some reports say he still lives quietly in Akron, Ohio, away from the spotlight. Others believe he may have passed away, but nothing has been confirmed.

There are no recent photos, interviews, or public appearances from him. It’s like he disappeared from the world after trying to reconnect with LeBron years ago.

This question — whether he’s alive or not — continues to be part of the mystery surrounding LeBron James’ father.

The Roland Bivins Theory

There’s a strange theory that Anthony McClelland may have changed his name to Roland Bivins. Some people on the internet believe these two are the same person. Why?

Because Roland Bivins, who was also from Akron, was reportedly involved in crime and was killed in a drive-by shooting in 1994. The theory says McClelland used this name to escape legal trouble and later vanished.

But here’s the truth — there’s no real proof that Anthony McClelland and Roland Bivins were ever the same person. It’s just a rumor that keeps going around online. Still, it adds to the mystery surrounding LeBron James’ father, especially because his current status is unknown.

Does LeBron James Have a Secret Brother?

This might surprise you — but it’s widely believed that Anthony McClelland had another son after LeBron. His name is Aaron McClelland Gamble, and he was born on May 31, 1987, just a few years after LeBron.

Aaron was also born in Akron, Ohio. He lives a quiet life and is said to be a church musician. Many people believe he is LeBron’s half-brother, but LeBron has never spoken about him, not even once in public.

So, do they know each other? Maybe. But there’s no sign of a relationship between them, and Aaron seems to live outside the spotlight.

This rumor of a “secret brother” adds another layer to the story of Anthony McClelland and his impact — or lack of impact — on the family he left behind.

What Happened When Another Man Claimed to Be LeBron’s Dad?

In 2022, a man named Leicester Bryce Stovell shocked the media by claiming to be LeBron’s real father. He said he had a relationship with Gloria James when she was just 15, and he was 29.

Stovell said he stayed away because of shame but came forward years later. Gloria didn’t believe him. And after LeBron took a DNA test, it was confirmed — Stovell was not the father.

Still, Stovell filed a $4 million lawsuit against LeBron and Gloria, accusing them of fraud and defamation. The judge quickly dismissed the case, saying there was no truth to his claim.

This event showed how complicated and sensitive LeBron’s family story can be. Even people from outside the family tried to insert themselves into it — but only the truth stands.

Something About Gloria James

If there’s one person who deserves the spotlight in LeBron’s early life, it’s his mom — Gloria James.

She was just a teenager when she had LeBron. She raised him with no help, no money, and no partner. But she gave him love, strength, and belief. She was his biggest supporter long before he was famous.

LeBron often talks about how much his mother means to him. In many interviews, he says he plays for her — because she gave him everything when they had almost nothing.

In many ways, the absence of Anthony McClelland only made Gloria shine brighter. She was both a mother and a father to LeBron.

Why Anthony McClelland’s Story Still Matters

You may wonder — why does this story still matter in 2025?

It matters because it shows how LeBron James broke a cycle. His father left, but he didn’t. LeBron chose to be present, loving, and supportive of his own kids.

Anthony McClelland may not have done anything for his son. But his absence became one of the biggest reasons for LeBron’s strength. This story also reminds us of how absent fathers affect children, especially in struggling communities.

So yes, Anthony McClelland may be gone from LeBron’s life. But his shadow helped shape one of the most powerful men in sports today.

Final Thoughts

In the end, Anthony McClelland was never a father in action — only in name. He had the chance to be part of something great, but he missed it.

LeBron James didn’t let that stop him. He used that pain, that absence, as fuel. He became the father he always wished he had. He became a husband, a leader, and a role model for millions.

This untold story about LeBron James’ father isn’t just about a man who walked away. It’s about a boy who grew up, stood tall, and created a future filled with love, not loss.

And that’s the real power in LeBron’s story — not just what he achieved, but who he chose to become.

(FAQs)

How tall is Anthony McClelland in feet?

Anthony McClelland is reportedly 6 feet 4 inches tall — the same height as many pro basketball players, yet he never made it to the court.

Is Anthony McClelland still alive today?

Nobody knows for sure. As of 2025, his current status is unknown, and some believe he may have passed away quietly.

Was Anthony McClelland really LeBron James’ father?

Yes, Anthony McClelland is widely believed to be LeBron James’ biological dad, though he completely abandoned LeBron before his birth.

How old is Anthony McClelland, and when was he born?

He was born sometime in the 1960s, which makes him about 60+ years old in 2025 — but no exact birth date has ever been confirmed.

Did Anthony McClelland ever play basketball?

Despite being tall and athletic, there’s no record of McClelland ever playing basketball — unlike his world-famous son.