LeBron James is known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His impressive skills on the court have earned him numerous accolades and a massive fanbase. But beyond his own success, James is also paving the way for the next generation of basketball players, including his own sons.
While the sports world has been closely watching LeBron James Jr. and Bryce Maximus James, another legacy is quietly taking shape back in Akron, Ohio. And recently, the King himself put the spotlight on a rising high school basketball player with a very special connection to him – his nephew.
In a recent Instagram post, James shared a photo of his nephew, Demetrius “Dede” Johnson, with the caption, “My nephew Dede aka Demetrius Johnson Jr. is a problem in the 2023 class! Keep going lil bro! #JamesGang👑 #StriveForGreatness🚀.”
The post immediately caught the attention of James’ massive fanbase, with many expressing their support and excitement for Dede’s future in basketball. But who exactly is Dede Johnson and why is LeBron James calling him his nephew?
Dede Johnson is a 15-year-old basketball player from Akron, Ohio. He attends St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, the same school that James attended and where he first made a name for himself in the basketball world. Dede is a 6’2″ shooting guard and is already making a name for himself in the high school basketball scene.
But what makes Dede’s connection to LeBron James so special is that he is the son of James’ cousin, Demetrius Johnson Sr. This makes Dede James’ first cousin once removed, or in simpler terms, his nephew.
Growing up in Akron, Dede has always looked up to his famous cousin and has been inspired by his success on and off the court. In an interview with The Undefeated, Dede shared, “I always wanted to be like him. I always wanted to play like him. I always wanted to be in the NBA like him.”
And it seems like Dede is well on his way to achieving his dreams. He has been playing basketball since he was five years old and has been training with his father, who is also his coach, since he was eight. Dede’s hard work and dedication to the sport have paid off, as he has already received offers from several Division I colleges.
But despite the attention and recognition, Dede remains humble and focused on improving his game. He knows that he still has a long way to go and is grateful for the support and guidance of his family, especially his famous cousin LeBron James.
For James, supporting his family and community has always been a top priority. He has always been vocal about his love for Akron and his desire to give back to his hometown. In fact, he opened the I Promise School in Akron in 2018, which provides education and resources to at-risk students.
By shining a spotlight on his nephew Dede, James is not only showing his support for his family but also inspiring other young athletes to chase their dreams and work hard to achieve them. Dede’s connection to James may have opened doors for him, but it is his own talent and determination that will lead him to success.
As Dede continues to make a name for himself in the basketball world, he will undoubtedly have the support and guidance of his famous cousin. And with James’ influence and mentorship, there’s no doubt that Dede will continue to strive for greatness and make his family proud.
LeBron James may be known as the King on the court, but his legacy extends far beyond his own success. He is a role model and inspiration to many, including his own family. And as Dede Johnson’s basketball journey unfolds, one thing is for sure – he has a strong and supportive family behind him, led by his proud cousin LeBron James.
