What is LeBron James’ net worth?
| Net Worth: | $1.2 Billion |
|---|---|
| Age: | 39 |
| Born: | December 30, 1984 |
| Gender: | Male |
| Height: | 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) |
| Country of Origin: | United States of America |
| Source of Wealth: | Professional NBA Player |
| Last Updated: | Sep 4, 2024 |
LeBron James is an American professional NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 Billion.
In his career, LeBron has won several NBA championships and multiple MVP awards, earning himself the nickname “King James.” He’s also written books, starred in movies and TV shows, owned restaurants and clubs, and created a foundation that has given millions of dollars to help kids across America receive a better education.
His work ethic is legendary. LeBron once told NBA fans that he doesn’t want to be remembered as just a great basketball player; he wants them to recognize him as someone who impacted the world. James has been heralded as one of the best players in basketball history, next to no other than the great Michael Jordan. By all accounts, Lebron will be remembered as one of the greatest athletes and people ever.
Table of Contents
Career Overview
In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected James as the overall pick of the NBA Draft. He was the youngest player ever to be picked first in an NBA draft at the time and is only one of two players ever to be drafted straight out of high school.
His first season was incredible. He set a new NBA record for the most points scored by a prep-to-pro player in his first game and was also named Rookie of the Year.
Within the next few seasons, LeBron rose to stardom, featured in his first All-Star Game, and won multiple Most Valuable Player awards.
In June 2010, LeBron announced that he would leave Cleveland and sign with the Miami Heat for a six-year deal worth $110 million. ESPN televised the decision on an hour-long special entitled ‘The Decision.’
In his first season in Miami, James helped the Heat reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in six games. The following year, he won his first NBA championship as the Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games.
In 2013, James received his fourth NBA Most Valuable Player Award. He won a second consecutive championship in 2013 as the Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs in seven games.
He played for the Miami Heat for four seasons, but in 2014, Lebron James decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Lebron James as their leading scorer, the Cavaliers won the NBA championship in 2016 and 2017.
It wasn’t until 2018 that LeBron left the Cavaliers and joined the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, signing a four-year contract worth $154 million. James has won far too many awards to list, but you can see some of his best highlights below.
NBA Salary
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $4,621,800 |
| 2006/07 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $5,828,089 |
| 2007/08 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $13,041,250 |
| 2008/09 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $14,410,581 |
| 2009/10 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $15,779,912 |
| 2010/11 | Miami Heat | $14,500,000 |
| 2011/12 | Miami Heat | $17,545,000 |
| 2012/13 | Miami Heat | $19,067,500 |
| 2013/14 | Miami Heat | $19,067,500 |
| 2014/15 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $20,644,400 |
| 2015/16 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $22,970,500 |
| 2016/17 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $30,963,450 |
| 2018/19 | Los Angeles Lakers | $35,654,150 |
| 2019/20 | Los Angeles Lakers | $37,436,858 |
| 2020/21 | Los Angeles Lakers | $39,219,565 |
| 2021/22 | Los Angeles Lakers | $41,180,544 |
| 2022/23 | Los Angeles Lakers | $44,474,988 |
| 2023/24 | Los Angeles Lakers | $47,607,350 |
| Total Career Earnings: | $444,013,437 | |
When LeBron James first signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, he secured a four-year, $18.8 million rookie contract. The deal would be worth $32.1 million if adjusted for inflation. James earned $4 million in his first NBA season, and his salary gradually increased to $5.8 million for the final year of the contract.
In 2007, LeBron signed a four-year extension with the Cavaliers worth $60.4 million. Between 2007 and 2010, he earned an average annual salary of $15 million.
In 2010, LeBron signed his first nine-figure contract, a $109.8 million 6-year sign-and-trade contract between the Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. However, only $64 million of the value was guaranteed, which is what LeBron earned from the contract.
James’ contract included an early termination option, which he exercised after the fourth year. This resulted in him earning $64 million over four years. This era of James’ career was coined “The Decision,” with many criticizing him for leaving the Cavaliers for Miami.
LeBron opted out of the contract two years early to sign back with Cleveland on a two-year, $42.2 million deal. He played one season, earning $20.6 million, before declining his play option. James resigned with the Cavs on a slightly higher-paying agreement, earning $23 million in 2015.
In 2016, LeBron signed his second nine-figure contract, valued at $100 million over three years. James earned $31 million with Cleveland in 2016 and $33.3 million in 2017. He secured just $64.2 million of the contract’s value before declining his third-year option.
In 2018, LeBron moved to the Los Angeles Lakers, signing his third nine-figure contract and the most valuable of his career. James inked a four-year, $153.3 million, fully guaranteed deal with the Lakers, increasing his average annual salary to $38.3 million.
The final year of the agreement was voided to allow James to negotiate a new two-year extension worth $85.6 million.
In 2023, he signed a two-year veteran extension worth $99 million, which was just shy of becoming his fourth nine-figure contract. Finally, in 2024, LeBron officially signed his fourth deal with a value of over $100 million. His current contract is a two-year, $101 million agreement that will earn him an estimated $48.7 million this year at 40 years old.
That figure will become the highest annual salary of his career; if he doesn’t decide to retire after that, he could earn an estimated $52.6 million salary in 2025.
LeBron is the only player in NBA history to have signed four 9-figure contracts.
Throughout his NBA career, LeBron James has earned $479.5 million in salary, with another $101 million guaranteed.
Endorsem*nts
LeBron’s endorsem*nt portfolio is awe-inspiring and includes Coca-Cola, Nike, Beats By Dre, Intel, Kia Motors, and Blaze Pizza. His most recent endorsem*nt deal is with Verizon’s mobile television service.
The Lakers star reportedly signed a three-year deal with the company that will pay him approximately $30 million to promote the service on social media platforms such as Snapchat and Twitter.
LeBron also has business ventures, including Liverpool FC (a small stake), Blaze Pizza (his part ownership helped make it a billion-dollar brand), and Uninterrupted – a digital media company he founded.
LeBron also owns production companies SpringHill Entertainment and The Robot Company, through which he has produced films like Space Jam 2, which stars himself alongside Bugs Bunny; TV shows such as Survivor’s Remorse; documentaries like I Promise; commercial spots for Sprite soda; YouTube content, and more.
In addition to his off-court earnings from endorsem*nts, business ventures, investments, and production companies, King James is also known for his philanthropy efforts. In 2017, he pledged to provide scholarships for kids who graduate from the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, through his LeBron James Family Foundation.
Lebron James’ Net Worth
When we first covered LeBron’s net worth in 2019, it was estimated to be $440 million. Since then, he’s racked up an additional $172 million salary alone. His earnings from sponsors and endorsem*nts now exceed his salary, taking home close to $350 million from sponsors since 2019. James is the only active NBA player to be listed by Forbes as a billionaire.
In 2024, LeBron James’ net worth is now an astonishing $1.2 Billion.
More Current/Former Cleveland Cavaliers players:
- Ricky Rubio Net Worth
- Kevin Love Net Worth
- Iman Shumpert Net Worth
- Daniel Gibson Net Worth
Highlights
Here are some of the significant highlights from LeBron James’ career:
- 3 Time NBA Champion (2012, 2013, 2016)
- 3 Time NBA Final MVP (2012, 2013, 2016)
- 4 Time NBA Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)
- NBA Scoring Champion (2008)
- Olympic Gold Medal Winner (2008, 2012)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008)
Summary
LeBron James is, without a doubt, one of the best NBA players in history, and all the attention/awards he’s received show this. With LeBron James’ net worth at a whopping $1.2 Billion, he’s also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
However, his influence on the game of basketball has made him such a legend among an entire generation of players and fans. LeBron is much more than just “King James.” He’s a cultural icon and a national hero. He’s even a celebrity outside of basketball.
Still, none of this would have been possible if LeBron hadn’t taken on the responsibility to improve himself and evolve as a player and person throughout his illustrious career.
He’s a real inspiration for any aspiring athlete, proving that you can overcome any obstacle that life throws at you with hard work and dedication.
