Many people know LeBron James as one of the greatest basketball players in the world. He’s strong, smart, and a loving family man. But behind his success is a story that many people still wonder about — the story of his father, Anthony McClelland.
Anthony is not a famous person. In fact, not much is known about him. But people are curious because he is said to be LeBron James’ biological father, even though he was never really part of LeBron’s life. This makes fans ask: Who is Anthony? Why did he leave? And where is he now?
In this article, we will look closely at everything we know about Anthony McClelland. We’ll talk about his past, his connection to LeBron, and why this story matters — even today, in 2026.
Who is Anthony McClelland?
LeBron Raymone James was born on December 30, 1984. His mother, Gloria, was only 16, and Anthony was nowhere around. This meant Gloria had to raise LeBron completely alone.
She faced a lot of struggles — money problems, moving homes, and trying to raise a child while still growing up herself. But even through hard times, she stayed strong and gave LeBron the love and care he needed.
LeBron never got to know his dad. Growing up, he only had his mother. He has said many times that his mom is his hero because she did everything for him, even when it was tough.
Early Life of Anthony McClelland
Anthony McClelland was born in the 1960s in Akron, Ohio, just like LeBron James. He is an African-American man, and according to what we know, he has lived in Ohio most of his life.
Not much is known about Anthony’s early years. There are no school records, jobs, or public stories about his childhood. This is part of the mystery — he stayed out of the spotlight.
Most of the things we know about Anthony came much later, only because of his connection to LeBron. Before that, he lived a very private and quiet life, far away from fame or attention.
How He Knew LeBron’s Mother
When Anthony was a teenager, he had a brief relationship with a young girl named Gloria Marie James. She was also from Akron. The two were not in a serious relationship. In fact, it was short and not deeply committed.
But something very big came from that short relationship — Gloria became pregnant at just 16 years old. That baby was LeBron James, born in 1984. At that time, Gloria was still just a child herself, trying to figure out life.
Anthony did not step up. He didn’t stay to help raise the baby. He didn’t support Gloria in any real way. From the start, it was clear that Gloria would be on her own.
Why Anthony Left and Never Returned
So why did Anthony McClelland leave? The truth is, no one knows exactly. What we do know is that he was not interested in being a father at the time. He did not help Gloria after the birth, and he never helped raise LeBron.
As years went by, Anthony never showed up to support his son. He didn’t come to any events. He wasn’t there for school or birthdays. He was completely out of the picture.
For many people, this might sound harsh — and it is. But that’s part of the story. Anthony’s absence left a big hole in LeBron’s life, and LeBron had to grow up without knowing who his dad really was.
LeBron James Talks About His Father
Even though LeBron never met his father, he has talked about him in interviews and online. In 2014, LeBron shared a powerful message on Instagram. He said he was actually thankful his father wasn’t there.
At first, LeBron felt hurt and angry about it. But over time, he realized that this pain made him stronger. He said it gave him fuel to push harder, work harder, and become the man he is today.
He also said that his father’s absence made him want to be a better dad to his own kids. Today, LeBron is a very loving and present father. He goes to games, helps with school, and shares happy moments with his children — the kind of dad he never had.
Did Anthony Try to Reconnect?
There was a time — in 2002 — when Anthony McClelland tried to reach out to LeBron. By then, LeBron was already becoming a basketball star in high school. But when Anthony tried to reconnect, LeBron said no.
LeBron was not interested in building a bond with someone who had ignored him his whole life. That door, once closed, stayed shut. And after that, Anthony disappeared again from the public view.
No one knows if he tried again. There are no records of more contact. It seems that was his last known attempt to be part of LeBron’s life.
Anthony McClelland’s Life
Now let’s talk about Anthony McClelland’s past. Over the years, he got into trouble many times. He was arrested for different crimes. Some of these included theft and arson — which means starting fires on purpose.
He was in and out of jail for many years. This is one reason why he was not around for LeBron. His life was unstable, and he never had a good path forward.
Even though he had a child, Anthony did not change his ways. He stayed in trouble with the law and never tried to fix things in a real or lasting way.
Meet Anthony McClelland’s Brother
There’s another part of this story that many people don’t know. Anthony McClelland is believed to have another son named Aaron McClelland Gamble. Aaron was born in 1987, about three years after LeBron.
That means Aaron and LeBron might be half-brothers — same father, different mothers. Aaron was also born in Akron, Ohio, just like LeBron.
Even though people say they are brothers, LeBron and Aaron don’t have any relationship. They’ve never been seen together in public. There are no pictures or stories showing that they talk or spend time together.
Is Anthony McClelland the Same as Roland Bivens?
Here’s where the story gets even more mysterious. Some people believe Anthony McClelland might have used another name in the past — Roland Bivens.
There are rumors that Roland Bivens died in a drive-by shooting in 1994. But others say he just changed his name to Anthony McClelland to avoid trouble with the police.
No one knows for sure if they are the same person. There is no clear proof, just many questions. This part of the story makes people even more curious about Anthony’s real life and past.
How Tall Is Anthony and What Does He Look Like?
From what we know, Anthony McClelland is about 6 feet 4 inches tall, which is 193 cm. That’s very tall — just like his son, LeBron.
His weight is said to be around 198 pounds, or 90 kilograms. He has black hair and dark brown eyes, just like many people from his background.
There are only a few old pictures of him online. He does not go to events or speak in public. That’s why many people don’t recognize his face or know what he looks like today.
Where Is Anthony McClelland Now?
As of 2026, no one really knows where Anthony McClelland is. He does not use social media like Facebook or Instagram. He has stayed very quiet and out of the spotlight.
Some people believe he is still living in Akron, Ohio, but there is no proof of that. Others think he might have passed away, but again — nothing has been confirmed.
Because of this, Anthony’s current life is a mystery. He has not made any public statements, and no one has seen him in many years.
Final Thoughts
The story of Anthony McClelland is both sad and powerful. He was not there for his son. He made many mistakes. And because of that, he missed out on watching LeBron James become one of the greatest athletes in history.
But there’s something important to learn here. Even though LeBron grew up without a father, he still became strong. He used the pain as motivation to grow, work hard, and become a great father to his own kids.
This shows that no matter where you come from, you can choose a better path. LeBron’s story is not just about basketball — it’s about strength, forgiveness, and never giving up.
(FAQs)
How old is Anthony McClelland now?
Anthony McClelland was born in the 1960s. As of 2026, he is believed to be in his 60s, but his exact birthdate is unknown.
Was Anthony McClelland ever married to Gloria James?
There is no official record of marriage between Anthony McClelland and Gloria James. They had a short teenage relationship that resulted in the birth of LeBron James.
What happened to Anthony McClelland?
After LeBron was born, Anthony McClelland left and did not take part in his son’s life. He has a history of criminal activity and reportedly spent time in jail.
Is Anthony McClelland still alive?
As of 2026, it is unclear if Anthony McClelland is still alive. Some reports say he may be living quietly, while others suggest he may have passed away. Nothing has been confirmed.
Does Anthony McClelland have other children?
Yes, he is believed to have another son named Aaron McClelland Gamble, born in 1987. Aaron is said to be LeBron’s half-brother.
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