LeBron James has completed one of the most iconic rags to riches transformations in American history.
According to Forbes, James is now worth $1 billion. Per the financial publication, this makes James the first NBA player to ever become a billionaire while still active in the league. Michael Jordan is estimated to be worth $1.7 billion by Forbes, but didn't surpass a billion in net worth until after he retired from the NBA for the third and final time.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, Spotrac says that James has earned more than $387 million in a playing career that's seen him win championships (four total) as a member of the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers.
The 37-year-old is under contract for $44.474 million with the Lakers in 2022-23, the final year of his current deal. There's been no indication, though, that James plans on making his 20th NBA season his last.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, James made $90 million over his first seven NBA seasons just from his Nike endorsement deal. James' right-hand man Maverick Carter told GQ in May of 2016 that the lifetime contract extension that the four-time NBA MVP had agreed to with Nike the prior year was worth more than $1 billion.
James also owned a stake in "Beats By Dre" headphones. When Apple purchased the rights of the headphones from hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre, James was said to have made $30 million from the transaction.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
