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As an 18-time NBA all-star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time NBA champion, and now the first active NBA player to be a billionaire, LeBron James just keeps adding more notches to his outstanding legacy.
According to Forbes, the NBA legend is officially a billionaire after making over $121 million after a profitable year. Now, the 37-year-old has a net worth of $1.7 billion — attributed to his endorsements with companies like Haines, Nike, Gatorade, Beats by Dre and Blaze Pizza. And his investment in the Charlotte Hornets team can be added. And while things aren’t looking so well for the Los Angeles Lakers after finishing this season with a 33-49 record, James is singing a different tune.
Ironically, James claimed the blessing in a 2014 interview with GQ.
“Obviously, I want to maximize my business,” the all-star player said. “And if I happen to get it, if I happen to be a billion-dollar athlete, ho. Hip hip hooray! Oh, my God, I’m gonna be excited.”
Michael Jordan is another NBA player to have become a billionaire, but that wasn’t until after he retired from the NBA.
In 2021, James almost came close to billionaire status after earning nearly $400 million in salary and over $600 million in off-the-court earnings over his 18-year career, setting his net worth to an estimated $850 million after accounting for investment returns, taxes, and spending.
During a discussion with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, former basketball player Kendrick Perkins talked about how proud he was of James and he witnessed his start at the bottom and work his way to the top, making a way for the next generation.
The internet was abuzz with James’ latest accomplishment. Some congratulated the ballplayer while others took the hater route.
Never mind the naysayers. We love to see the King win!