LeBron to open Akron museum

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Four-time National Basketball Association champion LeBron James will open his official museum on 25 November in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, the James Family Foundation announced on Thursday.

"LeBron James' Home Court" is described on its website as "A walk through the life and legacy of the kid from Akron" who was a teen prodigy and became a global superstar and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player.

The museum, located in the foundation's House Three Thirty venue in Akron, promises "an immersive journey that offers a look at his life through original artifacts."

The Home Court will also feature "a multimedia storytelling experience that offers a look at LeBron's life with never-before-seen items along his journey from Akron to the NBA, Olympics, business, philanthropy and beyond."

Photos posted on social media show a series of televisions with highlights from James's career, a selection of trophies and memorabilia including from his American football days.

"My dream was always to put Akron on the map so to have a place in my hometown that allows me to share my journey with my fans from all over the world means a lot to me," James said in a statement on social media.

A self-guided tour will showcase never-before-seen items belonging to James, who was a high school star selected first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the nearby Cleveland Cavaliers.

Meanwhile, Andre Iguodala, a four-time NBA champion with Golden State, was appointed acting executive director of the NBA players union on Thursday after Tamika Tremaglio stepped down.

Iguodala, a 39-year-old swingman, announced his retirement as a player on 20 October after 19 NBA seasons and only three weeks later was named to take charge of the National Basketball Players Association by its executive committee.

"I'm honored to take on this role and serve the players, who are the heart and soul of the NBA," Iguodala said.

"I'm presented with a unique opportunity to take all I've learned as a player over the course of my 19-year career and apply it to creating an even stronger and more influential union for current and future generations of players."

Tremaglio, who served in the role since January 2021, stepped down to pursue new opportunities but will work with Iguodala through a transition period.