LeBron James returns to inspire young cagers

MANILA, Philippines – NBA superstar LeBron James made true to his promise of coming back to the Philippines after his whirlwind first visit here in 2013.

"It's great [to be back]! Like what I told you before, I'm coming back. You welcomed me and my guys with open arms so it's always a pleasure," James told a packed Nike House of Rise on Thursday.

James is back in the country, this time for a longer period of time to serve as the final guest of Rise, Nike's basketball reality search documentary, which is being shown in TV5 in all Sundays of August.

James, a two-time NBA champion and a four-time MVP, came here fresh from losing in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. But that is all behind him now as he looks forward to being a source of inspiration to a bunch of kids who are trying to write their own Rise story.

"I think my story speaks for itself. I was a kid who did believe that I can make my dream a reality. I did a lot of hard work and sacrifice and I love the game so much that I was able to accomplish a lot of things. I know what the kids are going through. I can relate to them,” James said.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star hopes to make a difference given the brief time he will spend with the kids.

"I think more than teaching them the skills set, I think it's about the inspiration that comes behind that. It's about the story of the game, the words that I will give them, they can use that to better themselves. I think that's the most important," James said.

Aside from mentoring the Rise Team, James will also make a promotional tour in Nike Park's flagship store in Bonifacio Global City on Friday. He will also make a short trip to the Tenement compound in Bicutan, a known streetball playground in Taguig City.