This OptometryStudents.com post is fictionalized satire. Names used in this post, unless those of public figures or entities, are fictional, and any resemblance to actual persons or entities is coincidental and unintentional. Unless a post specifically states that its contents are an actual recording of events, any event described is fictional, and any resemblance to actual events is coincidental and unintentional. photo courtesy of ESPN
AKRON, OHIO – Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lebron James has had a basketball career that most wouldn’t even dream about, but he wasn’t always sure that he wanted to pursue his natural athletic abilities.
“If playing basketball didn’t pan out the way it has so far, I would have gone to optometry school,” proclaimed James. “It would’ve given me the ability to stay close to home and spend more time with my family.”
James was a basketball prodigy growing up in Akron, Ohio, and believes that the decision to play basketball was mostly due to the success he experienced early on, not because he necessarily wanted to. As a two-time NBA champion and four-time NBA MVP, it’s hard to argue that he made the wrong decision.
“Considering my 6’ 7’’ stature and ability to jump over defenders, the game of basketball chose me as much as I chose it. Don’t get me wrong – I love the game, it allows me to touch the lives of millions of people around the world,” said James.
While playing basketball at a professional level provides James with a platform to reach an international audience, optometry would’ve provided him with something the NBA hasn’t: stability. “I don’t think people realize how much we have to move from city to city, it really takes a toll. If I became an optometrist, I could have opened up a private practice in virtually any city that needed an eye doctor.”
When asked which optometry school would be his first pick, it was a no-brainer.
“Ohio State, obviously. It’s an amazing program, great history, and I have family in Akron. Who knows? Maybe I’ll go after I retire from the NBA.
