5 Powerful Lessons LeBron James Took From 'The Autobiography Of Malcolm X' (And The Viral Controversy That Followed)

Few modern athletes embody the intersection of sport, politics, and social justice quite like LeBron James. As of December 17, 2025, the conversation around the Los Angeles Lakers star often shifts from his on-court legacy to his off-court influence, which is heavily informed by history and literature. One book, in particular, became a viral talking point and a key to understanding his mindset during a pivotal moment of social unrest: The Autobiography of Malcolm X, co-written with Alex Haley. This deep dive explores why this monumental work is a cornerstone of his personal reading list and the unexpected controversy it sparked.

The choice to publicly engage with such a potent piece of civil rights literature during the high-stakes 2020 NBA Bubble playoffs was a deliberate statement. It signaled that James' focus extended beyond the championship trophy, connecting the fight on the court to the larger struggle for racial equality in America. The book, a powerful narrative of transformation and radical self-discovery, offers key insights that mirror LeBron's own journey from a challenging childhood in Akron, Ohio, to becoming a global icon and outspoken activist.

The Man Behind the Book: A Brief Biography of Malcolm X

To fully appreciate the book’s impact on LeBron James, one must first understand the life of its subject, Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little). His story is a profound American narrative of metamorphosis, which is precisely why it resonates with people seeking personal and social change.

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• Name at Birth: Malcolm Little
• Born: May 19, 1925, Omaha, Nebraska
• Assassinated: February 21, 1965, Audubon Ballroom, New York City
• Spouse: Betty Shabazz (m. 1958)
• Children: Attallah, Qubilah, Ilyasah, Gamilah, Malikah, and Malaak
• Key Affiliations: The Nation of Islam (until 1964), Muslim Mosque, Inc., Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU)
• Early Life: Experienced poverty, the murder of his father, and the institutionalization of his mother. He spent his early adulthood involved in crime in Boston and New York, leading to a prison sentence.
• Transformation: While incarcerated, he converted to the Nation of Islam, adopting the surname "X" to symbolize the lost African family name of his slave ancestors.
• Legacy: A pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for Black empowerment, self-defense, and Black nationalism. His later life, following a pilgrimage to Mecca, saw a shift toward a more orthodox Islam and a broader, more inclusive view of the struggle for human rights.

The 2020 NBA Bubble Context: Why the Book Went Viral

The public spotlight on LeBron James and the autobiography intensified during the 2020 NBA playoffs, held in a quarantined "bubble" in Orlando, Florida. This period followed the killing of George Floyd and was marked by intense nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

James, who has long been an advocate for social justice, was photographed reading the book while riding a stationary bike during a workout. This subtle yet powerful image immediately became a symbol of the athlete-as-activist. The NBA season itself was deeply intertwined with the social justice movement, with players using their platform to demand change, wear messages on their jerseys, and promote voter registration.

For LeBron, reading a book about one of America's most radical and transformative civil rights leaders was a way to ground his own activism and seek inspiration during a turbulent time. He explicitly stated that reading Malcolm X's story helped him understand race and self-identity better, offering a crucial perspective on the ongoing fight for equality.

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The Viral Controversy: A Lesson in Public Scrutiny

The book’s visibility, however, led to an unexpected moment of public scrutiny that quickly went viral. When a reporter asked LeBron James about his biggest takeaway from the book, his response was perceived by some critics and social media users as vague or "clueless," leading to accusations that he was merely holding the book for a photo opportunity rather than genuinely reading it.

While the exact quote and context vary, the core of the criticism centered on his inability to articulate a deep, complex analysis of the text on the spot. This incident highlights the double standard often placed upon high-profile Black athletes: they are celebrated for their activism but are instantly scrutinized and criticized if they don't meet an arbitrary intellectual standard set by the public or media.

Despite the trolling, the mere fact that one of the world's most famous people was reading and promoting a book about Malcolm X—a figure often marginalized in mainstream history curricula—was a victory for civil rights literature. It drove renewed interest in the book, introducing a new generation of fans and readers to the powerful messages of self-reliance and racial pride.

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5 Powerful Lessons LeBron James Likely Took from the Autobiography

While LeBron James may not have offered a perfect soundbite to the media, the themes of The Autobiography of Malcolm X align perfectly with his known values, philanthropic work (like the I Promise School in Akron), and public stance on social issues. The book is a masterclass in personal evolution and challenging the status quo, offering powerful lessons for any leader.

1. The Power of Radical Self-Education and Transformation

Malcolm X's most dramatic transformation occurred while he was incarcerated, where he devoured books and systematically educated himself to an astonishing degree. This journey from "Detroit Red" to a globally recognized intellectual and orator is a testament to the power of self-improvement. LeBron James, who skipped college to enter the NBA, has always emphasized the importance of education through his I Promise School, reflecting a similar belief in knowledge as the ultimate tool for liberation.

2. The Unflinching Truth About Systemic Racism

The book details the brutal realities of racism and white supremacy in America, not just through historical events but through Malcolm X's own life experiences. It is an honest, raw, and often uncomfortable look at the structural barriers facing Black Americans. For LeBron James, who has been outspoken against police brutality and racial injustice—even wearing an "I Can't Breathe" shirt years before George Floyd's murder—the book provides a historical and philosophical framework for his own contemporary critiques of the system.

3. The Importance of Black Self-Reliance and Economic Empowerment

A core tenet of Malcolm X's message, particularly during his time with the Nation of Islam, was the need for Black people to control their own communities, businesses, and destiny. LeBron James embodies this principle through his business ventures, his production company SpringHill Entertainment, and his relentless pursuit of ownership and control over his image and career, setting a powerful example for other athletes and entrepreneurs.

4. The Journey from Anger to Global Perspective

The latter part of the autobiography details Malcolm X’s break from the Nation of Islam and his life-changing pilgrimage to Mecca. This journey broadened his worldview, softening some of his earlier, more rigid positions on race and allowing him to see the struggle for human rights on a global scale. This mirrors LeBron's evolution from a purely basketball-focused superstar to a global activist who uses his platform to address issues from voting rights to international politics.

5. Identity and the Reclamation of History

The adoption of "X" is a powerful symbolic act—a rejection of the slave-master's name and a reclamation of a lost African identity. The book is a journey of defining oneself outside of the dominant culture's narrative. For LeBron, who has constantly battled media narratives and expectations since he was a teenager, this theme of self-definition and controlling one's own narrative is profoundly relevant, reinforcing his commitment to elevating Black voices and telling authentic Black stories through his media projects.