Steph Curry may be the best thing that has happened to LeBron James’ public perception. Curry’s ungodly numbers have detracted from the tired LeBron-Jordan comparisons and the need for everyone to have a hyperbolic opinion of Bron. It’s also allowed casual NBA fans to just appreciate the things he does on the court. And off.
Last night, during a game against the Celtics, LeBron gave a gift to a brain damaged kid that he will likely never forget. During halftime of every Boston home game, the organization honors a Hero Among Us–an outreach program that presents an award to an individual who has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the Boston community.
The award was presented last night to Aaron Miller, a 16-year-old Celtics fan who had undergone several surgeries and physical therapy for brain damage and went on to win MVP of a local Special Olympic event. After hearing his story on the Jumbotron, Lebron approached the starstruck teen to the delight of Miller and everyone around him.
“I looked up by the JumboTron and I saw what [Miller had] been through and where he is now. I think the doctor said he would never walk again or talk again… I looked up there and right from there, it became so much more than basketball,” James told ESPN.
James noticed that Miller was wearing the award-winning Nike Zoom Soldier 8 Flyease, which were created for people with disabilities. After the game, LeBron hunted down Miller to gift him a pair of his game-worn sneakers.
“I designed those shoes for kids with conditions where they can’t tie their own shoestrings, and he had a pair on. Those shoes that he had on are made for kids that can’t tie their own shoes, and it’s just one strap,” James said.
“When I saw his story, it was just like, I don’t know, I felt like I was a part of him. Just showing my respect, gave him my shoes. It was well received by him. It was not for you guys or the fans. It was for him.”
Bro move. From one MVP to another.
[h/t Complex]