The film begins with Calvin Cambridge (played by Lil’ Bow Wow), a 14-year-old orphan living in a group home in Los Angeles. Calvin dreams of becoming a professional basketball player but faces numerous obstacles due to his small stature and lack of athletic ability.
One day, Calvin and his friends stumble upon a pair of old sneakers with the initials “MJ” on them, which they find in a pile of donated items. Calvin tries on the sneakers and discovers that they give him incredible basketball skills, including lightning-fast speed, superhuman jumping ability, and pinpoint accuracy.
With his newfound talent, Calvin joins a local basketball team called the Los Angeles Knights, which is owned by the unscrupulous and egotistical Coach Wagner (played by Robert Forster). Despite his initial skepticism, Coach Wagner is impressed by Calvin’s skills and recruits him to play for the team.
As Calvin rises to fame and success, he faces challenges both on and off the court. He must navigate the pressures of being a child celebrity, deal with jealousy from his teammates, and confront his own insecurities about his past and his identity as an orphan.
Along the way, Calvin forms a close bond with Tracy Reynolds (played by Morris Chestnut), a former NBA player who becomes his mentor and father figure. Tracy teaches Calvin valuable lessons about humility, teamwork, and perseverance, helping him grow as both a basketball player and a person.
As the Knights make their way through the playoffs, Calvin faces his toughest challenge yet when Coach Wagner tries to exploit his talents for personal gain. With the support of his friends, teammates, and Tracy, Calvin must find the courage to stand up for himself and do what’s right, both on and off the court.
In a climactic showdown, Calvin and the Knights face off against their rivals in the championship game. With the help of his magical sneakers and the lessons he’s learned along the way, Calvin leads his team to victory, proving that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and work together as a team.
In the end, Calvin decides to donate his magical sneakers to another child in need, realizing that true greatness comes from within and that the power to succeed lies in the heart, not in a pair of shoes.
“Like Mike” is praised for its heartwarming story, positive messages, and charismatic performances, particularly by Lil’ Bow Wow and Morris Chestnut. It remains a beloved family film and a favorite among basketball fans of all ages.