LeBron James Gave Powerful Farewell Speech on 'Space Jam' Set, Hear the Audio - TMZ

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TMZ Sports obtained audio of the farewell speech LeBron James gave to the "Space Jam" cast and crew on his last day of shooting ... and it's emotional stuff.

The NBA superstar -- wearing his #6 'Toon Squad' uniform -- addressed the cast and crew in Summer 2019 (before the COVID pandemic) ... and explained why it was so important for him to take the role in the first place.

"I'm gonna be honest completely with you guys -- when I found out about the project, I was like it's 'Space Jam'! It’s a movie that I grew up watching. People in the movie that I idolize. I was like absolutely, I gotta do it. There’s no way I can turn down 'Space Jam'!"

TMZSports.com

Bron joked that he had second thoughts when he realized the production schedule was so demanding, but ultimately decided it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

"I’m just a small kid from Akron, Ohio -- a very small town outside of Cleveland. From a single-parent household, I’m the only child, my mother had absolutely nothing. She was walking around high school when she was 16 years old and she was pregnant with me as a high school sophomore. So I’m really not supposed to be here."

"Growing up in the inner city, as an African-American kid, there’s no way you’re supposed to f*cking make it out. And, the fact that I’m who I am as an African-American adult now with 3 kids of my own, and I made it out of the situations that I was in. This sh*t is like extra credit for me man."

Bron proceeded to thank everyone involved with the movie -- saying, "Ya’ll say you appreciate me, but I’m sh*t without ya’ll."

The NBA superstar also posed for a picture with the film's writer/producer Ryan Coogler and director Malcolm D. Lee.

You'll notice LeBron's official jersey and shorts feature an orange spiral surrounded by blue -- with the 'Tune Squad' logo emblazoned on the front.

It should be noted on James' shorts is the #6 (a number he wore during his time with the Miami Heat) -- NOT the #23 he currently wears with the Lakers.

Of course, the uniforms are a far cry from Michael Jordan's OG "Space Jam" kit ... those were a simple red, white and blue.

As we previously reported, James invited some of his NBA pals and teammates to participate in the movie -- including  Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis.

Even Don Cheadle -- who we got a photo of on set -- is on board for the movie too!!

The piece is set to drop next summer ... start gettin' that popcorn ready now!

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August 16, 2020 at 03:00PM
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LeBron James Gave Powerful Farewell Speech on 'Space Jam' Set, Hear the Audio - TMZ
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