LeBron James, born on December 30, 1984 (40 years old) in Ohio, United States, is a basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic franchises in NBA history. Nicknamed “King James,” he is considered one of the most important athletes in the world.
James is part of the elite group of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. He played in two separate periods for the Cleveland Cavaliers, had a stint with the Miami Heat, and is now with the Lakers. At 40, LeBron continues to perform at the highest level both on and off the court. Beyond sports, he is also a notable figure in the film and television industries.
A player who shattered all kinds of records in the sport, especially in the NBA, is LeBron James. The most prominent achievement is becoming the all-time leading scorer in league history (over 41,000 points). In 2023, he also became the first player to accumulate the most minutes played in the competition’s history, including both regular season and playoffs.
How did LeBron James’s career begin?
A great athlete often shows talent in multiple sports, as was the case with James. In his early years, LeBron stood out in both basketball and American football. A major turning point in his life came when he moved in with Frankie Walker, his former football coach. Walker took LeBron in as a son while LeBron’s mother, Gloria, recovered financially during a period of hardship. During long summers, James joined various basketball teams in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
What stands out the most? At just 12 years old, LeBron already had a dominant height and strong genetics. From 1999 to 2003, he developed his athletic career in high school. In basketball, it is common for young talents to be recruited into the NBA through strong performances in school leagues or academies. James was no exception—he was selected first overall in the NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBron James’s countless NBA records
With more than 20 seasons in the NBA, LeBron has won four championships—each with a different franchise. In all the finals he played, he is the only active player to have been named Finals MVP. His young age at the start of his career also signaled his enormous potential. At 18 years and 182 days old, he became the youngest player ever selected in the NBA Draft.
The impressive stats never end. He holds the record for most points in regular-season history, most playoff points, and most selections to the NBA All-Star first team, among many others. His career only begins to summarize the impact LeBron James has made on and off the court.
The athlete’s influence in film and TV
One of LeBron James’s most iconic moments in entertainment was starring in the reboot of Space Jam, where he received recognition for his acting role. He has also appeared in miniseries and was the lead in the animated television show The LeBrons.
A businessman
LeBron is not only a standout on the court. Off the hardwood, he has maximized his brand power through endorsements, advertising, and marketing. In 2024 alone, he earned over $80 million through these channels. Compared to other athletes, his earnings outpaced those of Lionel Messi by $10 million.
Experts estimate that LeBron James has amassed more than $900 million through sponsorships and brand deals. Nike and Pepsi are his most prominent partners. He was the first basketball player to make it onto Forbes’ list of the world’s richest individuals.
High-net-worth athletes often invest in stocks and teams, and LeBron is no exception. He has put his money into American football and baseball franchises. Along with Maverick Carter, he launched a film and television production company. He also invested in the PGA Tour. His real estate portfolio includes properties, mansions, and luxury apartments.
LeBron James is a CEO off the court and one of the greatest athletes in history on it. As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, “King James” is a living legend. He is an example of perseverance, discipline, and physical excellence admired across generations.