The Unanswered Question: How Old Is LeBron James’ Biological Father, Anthony McClelland, In 2025?

As of December 2025, the biological father of NBA superstar LeBron James, Anthony McClelland, is believed to be 61 years old, based on public records indicating a birth year of 1964. This age calculation provides a definitive answer to a question often asked by fans, yet it only scratches the surface of one of the most complex and painful aspects of LeBron James’ life: his lifelong estrangement from his paternal figure.

The story of LeBron James' upbringing is famously centered on his mother, Gloria James, who raised him as a single parent in Akron, Ohio, shielding him from the influence of a father who was absent from day one and struggled with a criminal past. This article dives deep into the identity, age, and controversial history of Anthony McClelland, the man widely cited as LeBron's father, and explores the enduring impact of this complicated relationship on the global icon.

Anthony McClelland: Biography and Profile

Anthony McClelland is the man most commonly identified in public records and media reports as the biological father of LeBron James. His life story is one marked by instability and a complete absence from his son's upbringing, a stark contrast to the life of discipline and success LeBron would go on to build.

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• Full Name: Anthony R. McClelland
• Date of Birth: December 1964
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 61 years old
• Birthplace: Akron, Ohio, USA
• Relationship to LeBron: Biological Father (Absent)
• Relationship with Gloria James: Casual relationship in the 1980s
• Occupation: Former high school basketball player; later life involved criminal activity.
• Notable History: Abandoned LeBron and Gloria James shortly after birth; has a documented criminal history including charges of arson and theft.

McClelland had a brief, casual relationship with Gloria James when she was a teenager, which resulted in LeBron's birth in December 1984. He was reportedly a high school basketball player himself, but his life quickly spiraled into criminal activity and drug use, leading to his incarceration and total lack of involvement in LeBron's life.

The Precise Age and Current Status of LeBron’s Father

Determining the exact age of Anthony McClelland is straightforward, yet the information often remains obscured by the private nature of the James family and the man's low public profile. Public records strongly suggest his birth occurred in December 1964.

Given the current date of December 2025, Anthony McClelland has either just celebrated or is about to celebrate his 61st birthday. This places him approximately 20 years older than his son, LeBron James, who was born in 1984. The age difference is a common detail, but the more compelling fact is the generational chasm of experience—LeBron grew up without a father figure, using that void as motivation, while his biological father struggled with legal and personal issues.

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McClelland's current status is largely unknown, as he has maintained a life away from the public eye, particularly since his later attempts to connect with his famous son were publicly rebuffed. While some reports suggest he has tried to reach out to LeBron, the NBA star has consistently maintained that he has no relationship with his biological father and has never met him.

The Lingering Paternity Controversy: Anthony McClelland vs. Roland Bivins

The question of "who is LeBron James’ dad" is complicated by persistent rumors and legal disputes that have swirled around Akron, Ohio, for decades. While Anthony McClelland is the most commonly named biological father, there is a significant, long-running alternative theory involving another man.

The Roland Bivins Rumor

In the 1980s and 90s, local Akron rumors suggested that LeBron's genetic father was actually a man named Roland Bivins. Bivins was also a talented high school basketball player, which fueled speculation about the source of LeBron's athletic gifts. This rumor gained traction because some felt McClelland, who was reportedly 5'6", did not physically resemble the future 6'9" NBA star.

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The controversy deepened with reports of a paternity suit filed by a former lawyer named Leicester Stovell, who claimed to be LeBron's father. Although this suit was dismissed, it brought into the public sphere the claim that a paternity test had allegedly *eliminated* Anthony McClelland as the father. This legal detail suggests that even the primary public identity of LeBron's father is not definitively confirmed, keeping the question a point of ongoing speculation and curiosity.

Despite the conflicting claims surrounding McClelland and Bivins, LeBron James has made it clear that the identity of his biological father is irrelevant to his life. He has stated that his mother, Gloria James, and his childhood mentor, Frank Walker (who introduced him to basketball), are the only parental figures he acknowledges.

The Profound Impact of a Fatherless Upbringing on LeBron James

The absence of Anthony McClelland is not just a biographical detail; it is a foundational element of LeBron James’ personal narrative and drive. Growing up without a father figure in a financially unstable environment became a powerful motivator for the young athlete.

LeBron has spoken openly about the void, stating that he never wanted his own children—LeBron Jr. ("Bronny"), Bryce, and Zhuri—to experience the same feeling of abandonment. This commitment to being a present and involved father has become a central part of his public image and personal life, directly contrasting the legacy of Anthony McClelland.

This complex family history provides a crucial context for understanding the King's relentless pursuit of greatness. The stability provided by his mother, Gloria James, and the positive male role models who stepped in, such as Walker, helped channel the pain of a fatherless past into the focus required to become one of the greatest basketball players in history. The story of LeBron James is ultimately a testament to overcoming the circumstances of his birth and choosing to create his own, positive family legacy.