LeBron James posts a letter to his father

Feb 18, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) and center Chris Bosh (1) come off the court after the win over the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. James has 42 points and Bosh has 22 points. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Heat forward LeBron James grew up without a father. He was raised by a single mother, Gloria Marie James. His father, who has been identified as Anthony McClelland, has never been in the picture.

James has dealt with not having a father in his own way and posted a passionate letter to the father he has never known on his Instagram account Wednesday night.

James also attached a message to describe the post.

"Because of you Pops! Thanks all along. Could have said why me with u not being there but look what I made of myself. Thanks to Huffington Post for the graphic.#StriveForGreatness"

James is the game’s best player and could be on his way to a fifth MVP Award, a third NBA Championship and a third NBA Finals MVP Award.

The Heat are just two games out of first place in the Eastern Conference.

This season, he is averaging 26.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.

(H/T to Sean Highkin of the USA Today)