Who is LeBron James?

LeBron James is widely considered to be one of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball. Born in Akron, James spent the majority of his professional career with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers, winning multiple NBA championships and earning numerous accolades along the way.

Known for his exceptional all-around game, James is a four-time MVP and has been selected to the All-Star team a record 18 times.

LeBron James’ early life

LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. James started playing basketball at a young age, showing great potential. He soon became one of the best high school basketball players in the country. James graduated from St. Vincent’s St. Mary High School and declared for the NBA draft in 2003. James led St. Vincent’s St. Mary to three state championships in four years. With Keith Dambrot and Dru Joyce II coaching the side for two years each, the Fighting Irish had a record of 101 victories and 6 losses during James’ time.

LeBron James’ wife and children

LeBron James was raised by his mother Gloria James, who struggled to make ends meet as a single mother. Not much is known about James’ biological father Anthony McClelland, who was largely absent from LeBron’s life during his childhood. He is also reported to have criminal records to his name.

James has been in a relationship with his high school sweetheart Savannah since his teenage years. The couple tied the knot on September 14, 2013. Savannah James has indulged in several business ventures over the years and is also a noted philanthropist. She has also established a mentorship program for young women. LeBron and Savannah have three children together: Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri James.

Both Bronny and Bryce are following in their father’s footsteps to become basketball stars. In December 2023, Bronny made his long-awaited collegiate debut with the USC Trojans, less than five months after suffering cardiac arrest in July.

LeBron James’ net worth 2024

LeBron James has an estimated net worth of $1 billion, according to recent reports. James is the first active NBA star to achieve this feat. The four-time NBA champion signed a two-year $97.1 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers last year. As per reports, James has earned around $387 million in salaries in his 20-year NBA career so far. Furthermore, he has also made a fortune with his endorsement deals and investments, which have helped him build his massive business empire.

LeBron James’ NBA career timeline

The Cleveland Cavaliers selected hometown boy LeBron James as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft. James was a superstar straight out of high school and took the league by storm. He played for the Cavaliers from 2003 to 2010 in his first stint and won MVP awards in 2009 and 2010. Even though the Akron Hammer was almost unstoppable on the court and won many individual accolades, team success was hard to come by.

James then left the Cavs and took his talents to the Miami Heat in 2010. He received major backlash from Cavs fans after this move. However, he continued his dominance, alongside superstars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for the Heat, and clinched his first NBA title in 2012, followed by another in 2013. He also won the NBA MVP award and the Finals MVP award in 2012 and 2013. The estranged son then returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 and took the team to four straight NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. He helped the Cavs win their first-ever NBA title in 2016.

James once again left the Cavs, this time to join the Los Angeles Lakers, in 2018 and led them to the 2020 NBA title.  Following the retirements of Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala, LeBron James is currently the oldest player in the league. On the 21st of November 2023, James became the first player in league history to reach 39,000 career points. Six days later, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 66,300 minutes to become the player with the most minutes played in NBA games during the regular season and playoffs.

LeBron James’ NBA career stats

• Regular season games played – 1467
• Regular season points per game – 27.1
• Regular season rebounds per game – 7.5
• Regular season assists per game – 7.3
• Playoff games played – 282
• Postseason points per game – 28.5
• Postseason rebounds per game – 9
• Postseason assists per game – 7.2

LeBron James’ investments and endorsements

Some of the biggest brands endorsed by LeBron James are as follows:

• Nike
• McDonald’s
• Blaze Pizza
• Beats Electronics
• Sprite
• Upper Deck
• State Farm Insurance
• Audemars Piguet
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Samsung
• Kia
• Verizon
• Intel
• Lobos 1707

LeBron James has made some very smart investments over the years, which have helped him substantially. Two of James’ most important investments are Blaze Pizza and the English soccer club, Liverpool F.C.

LeBron James’ achievements and awards

• 4× NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
• 4× NBA Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
• 4× NBA Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
• 19× NBA All-Star (2005–2023)
• 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008, 2018)
• 13× All-NBA First Team (2006, 2008–2018, 2020)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2007, 2021)
• 3× All-NBA Third Team (2019, 2022, 2023)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2013)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
• NBA scoring champion (2008)
• NBA assists leader (2020)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• AP Athlete of the Decade (the 2010s)
• 4× AP Athlete of the Year (2013, 2016, 2018, 2020)
• 3× Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2012, 2016, 2020)
• USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2012)
• 2× National high school player of the year (2002, 2003)
• McDonald’s All-American Game MVP (2003)
• 2× First-team Parade All-American (2002, 2003)
• 3× Ohio Mr. Basketball (2001–2003)
• 3x USA Today All-USA First Team (2001-2003)
• No. 23 retired by St. Vincent–St. Mary

LeBron James’ charity and foundation

Some of the biggest donations made by LeBron James are to the charities:

• After-school All-Stars
• Mohammed Ali: A Force for Change
• Boys and Girls Club of America
• Children’s Defence Fund
• ONEXONE
• I Promise School

Most of these charities are aimed at helping children and the younger generation. King James is dedicated to providing the youth of America, especially those at risk, the opportunity required to prosper in life with his ‘I Promise’ initiative.

LeBron James’ rings

Over his illustrious 20-year career (and counting), James has won four NBA championships. He has led three different franchises – the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Lakers – to NBA titles.

James’ first title came in 2012 with the Heat, when he won his first Finals MVP award, followed by a second consecutive title in 2013. After returning to Cleveland in 2014, James delivered on his promise to bring the city its first major sports championship in over 50 years.

In 2016, James powered the Cavaliers back from a daunting 3-1 deficit against the record-setting Golden State Warriors in the Finals. James won his 4th championship and NBA Finals MVP award in 2020, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship against his former side, the Miami Heat.

LeBron James’ shoe deals

LeBron James signed a huge deal with Nike even before he entered the NBA. As James’ superstardom rose, he became one of the most important faces of the brand, with his line of signature shoes, which is in its 20th version now. The four-time NBA MVP signed a lifetime deal with Nike in 2015 for an undisclosed fee.

LeBron James’ house

LeBron James has reiterated multiple times that he does not spend his hard-earned money without reason. Former teammate Dwyane Wade once revealed that James is one of the cheapest players in the league despite being one of the richest. However, James knows how to spend his fortune in style. And when it comes to where he lives, the King does not compromise. According to reports, LeBron owns multiple properties in California, Ohio, and Miami, that are worth a combined estimated value of $100 million.

LeBron James’ car collection

LeBron James is known for having an extensive collection of cars, estimated to be worth over $2 million. Some of the standouts include a Chevy Camaro SS, a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, and the Dodge Challenger SRT 392. He also owns a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, a 720-horsepower V12 supercar. Another notable element of his collection is a Mercedes luxury sedan, the Maybach S650, worth around $200,000.

Notably, after teaming up with Shaquille O’Neal in Cleveland, Shaq gifted LeBron a Rolls Royce Phantom for his 25th birthday. The luxury car goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and is valued at around $505,000.

LeBron James’ controversial moments

LeBron James has not had any major controversies so far. However, there have been a few questionable moments in his career. James was the centerpiece of controversy during his high school career for accepting gifts. Then his infamous move to the Miami Heat in 2010, announced on national television, stirred up a lot of controversy.

James, who is very vocal about his political beliefs, was criticized for his association with Nike because of the brand’s political stance. Also, his comments on America after Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia sparked some controversy.

Will LeBron James retire?

LeBron James, 39, is currently playing his 21st NBA season in the NBA. The future Hall of Famer is still playing at the highest level, but he is definitely at the tail end of his career. However, the Lakers icon will not retire after the 2023-24 season as he has multiple times opened up about his desire to play alongside his son Bronny James in the league. Bronny will be eligible to declare for the NBA draft next year. So there is a high chance that James may continue playing in the league until his son enters the NBA.

LeBron James’ social media accounts