Although LeBron James never put on his shoes for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the university is all set to award him an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. This honor recognizes his career and contributions that transcended slam dunks and championships on the Basketball court.
On Wednesday, Ohio State’s Board of Trustees will vote to secure James as an honorary Buckeye and award him the honor.
Lebron James To Receive Honorary Doctor Of Public Service From Ohio State
If the NBA’s “one-and-done” rule existed in 2003, James might have donned the scarlet and gray before leaping to the Cleveland Cavaliers. James once said that if he had to go to college, he would have gone to Ohio.
Instead, the St. Vincent-St. Mary’s star went straight to the pros, carving out a resume as a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, 21-time All-Star, and 20-time All-NBA selection.
Now, at 40, he’s still a driving force for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in the 2024-25 season. But Ohio State’s honor isn’t about his on-court stats. It’s about a man who used his fame, power, and money for the good.
BREAKING: LeBron James will receive an honorary doctorate from Ohio State University for his work with “I PROMISE.” 🚨
“Just as he’s elevated the game of basketball, LeBron has redefined philanthropy—creating a revolutionary model for community building in Akron, Ohio.” pic.twitter.com/QOAxjyohgA
— Lakers Better (@LakersBetter) May 20, 2025
“I knew I always wanted to give back to my community,” James said during his February visit. “Listening to our families, our kids—they let us know what’s needed.” His LeBron James Family Foundation has become a house of hope for Akron, a city battered by population decline and economic hardship.
His foundation’s crown jewel is the I Promise School, which opened in 2018 to serve at-risk youth in Akron. The school provides not just education but wraparound services, including meals, counseling, and even college scholarships.
Over 1,400 students have benefited, with the program’s graduation rate hitting 98% in 2024, according to the foundation’s annual report. “LeBron has redefined philanthropy,” Ohio State’s statement read, praising his “revolutionary model for community building.”
However, for James, this is much more than charity. James, born and raised in Akron, saw the city’s struggles with his own eyes and he earned the resources to help, he didn’t waste a single moment.
“He’s one of us,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik in a recent interview with the Columbus Dispatch. From funding community centers to hosting youth camps, James has funneled millions into his hometown, creating opportunities where needed.
As the Lakers’ season ends, James faces questions about his NBA future. At 40, with 22 years in the league, retirement is awfully close to him. Yet his influence shows no signs of fading.
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While some may argue that a degree is being given to someone who never attended college, no one can deny that James’s legacy is here to stay, as fans of all ages refuse to forget the Lakers Legend.
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