LeBron James Gives His Sneakers To Special Olympian Following Win Over Celtics

LeBron James 24 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 89-77 win over the Boston Celtics, but the biggest impact he made was off the court.

During a stoppage in play, the Celtics honored local athlete Aaron Miller. The teenager, who was born with severe brain damage, was told by doctors he would be physically and mentally paralyzed for life; surgery and therapy were successful however, and Miller was recently named MVP of a Special Olympics event.

After he received a standing ovation, Miller was also got a moment with LeBron. James jogged over to the sideline and took a moment to acknowledge his fellow MVP.

 

After the game, James found Miller again, this time to give him his game-worn sneakers.

“I wasn’t able to hear the whole story because I was actually in the game and coach was drawing up a play,” James explained. “But I looked up at the jumbotron and I saw what he’s been through and where he is now. This game is so much more than basketball.”

The Cavs star also noted that Miller was wearing Nike Flyease, specifically made  with an easy to fasten strap. “Those shoes that he had on are made for kids that can’t tie their own shoes,” James said. “It’s just one strap. They’re able to get them on with one hand or whatever the case may be. Then when I saw his story, it was just like, I don’t know, I felt like I was a part of him. So I was 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.”

Photo: LeBron James during the 2015 NBA Finals