LeBron James net worth in 2024 is a hot topic among basketball fans. The superstar player has made a huge impact in the NBA and beyond. Known for his incredible skills on the court, LeBron has become one of the most famous athletes in the world.
So, let’s explore the details of his earnings, sources of income, and the journey that has led to his impressive net worth.
LeBron James in Brief
Full Name | LeBron Raymone James |
Date of Birth | December 30, 1984 |
Place of Birth | Akron, Ohio, USA |
Occupation | Professional Basketball Player |
Height | 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) |
Spouse | Savannah James |
Children | Bronny James, Bryce James |
Net Worth | $1 billion |
Table of Contents
What is LeBron James Net Worth in 2024?
LeBron James is an American professional basketball player with a net worth of $1 billion as of 2024. LeBron played basketball in high school and was so good that he skipped college. In 2003, he was picked first by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA draft. He played for the Cavs from 2003 to 2010.
After that, LeBron took his talents to the Miami Heat, where he played from 2010 to 2014. He helped the Heat win two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013. He returned to the Cavaliers from 2014 to 2018 and won another championship in 2016. In 2018, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers and won a championship with them in 2020.
LeBron is currently the third-highest-paid player in the NBA, making a base salary of $52 million annually. On February 7, 2023, he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record.
Besides basketball, The NBA legend is also one of the world’s richest and most celebrities. He earns between $60 million and $90 million yearly from endorsements. He has a lifetime contract with Nike worth $1 billion. LeBron has invested in many businesses and owns parts of teams like Liverpool F.C., Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots. With his earnings and investments, he could become a billionaire by 2030.
Salary & Career Earnings
LeBron James has made more than $800 million so far from playing basketball and doing ads in his whole career, before taxes and spending.
In his first ten years in the NBA, LeBron James got paid a little more than $126 million just for playing basketball. During that time, he also got around $326 million from doing ads. That’s a total of $452 million for his first ten years as a pro.
The NBA legend signed a two-year contract with the Lakers for $85 million. In August 2022, he signed another two-year contract for $99.02 million. By the time that deal ends in 2025, LeBron will have made more than $530.8 million from playing basketball in the NBA. In July 2024, LeBron signed a new two-year contract for $102 million. By the end of the 2026 season, LeBron will have made $583 million just from playing basketball in the NBA.
Annual Income
Every year, LeBron James makes about $45 million from playing basketball in the NBA and about $55 million from doing ads and promotions. That adds up to over $100 million every year. From June 2021 to June 2022, he made $121.2 million. In the latest year, his total salary and deals were $119.5 million.
LeBron James Endorsements
Early Deals with Nike
When LeBron finished high school, he had many companies trying to sign him. Nike, Reebok, and Adidas wanted him, but he signed a seven-year deal with Nike in 2003 for about $90 million. His shoes have sold well for Nike.
Big Earnings
LeBron James has made a lot of money. In 2013, he became the highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $56.5 million. He also made over $30 million when Apple bought Beats Electronics. He was ranked as one of the highest-earning athletes in 2015 and 2016. LeBron has said he wants to own an NBA team one day.
Business Ventures
In 2011, he opened a designer store called UNKNWN in Miami, Florida.
Super Bowl Ad
In 2022, LeBron appeared in a Super Bowl ad for Crypto.com. He talked to a CGI version of his younger self and advised about the future. This ad got a lot of attention on social media and inspired many memes.
Charity Work
LeBron’s charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation, worked with Crypto.com in 2022. They aimed to teach people in Akron about blockchain and Web3 tools, helping them advance in the digital world.
LeBron James’s Early life
LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. His mom, Gloria, was only 16 when he was born. His dad, Anthony McClelland, had a criminal past and wasn’t part of his life. LeBron’s early life was tough, as he and his mom moved around a lot because she struggled to find stable work.
When LeBron James was nine, he moved in with Frank Walker’s family, a local football coach, who introduced him to basketball. LeBron started playing organized basketball in the fifth grade and later joined the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars, an AAU team.
LeBron and his friends Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, and Willie McGee became close and called themselves the Fab Four. They made a pact to attend high school together. In a surprising choice, they decided to go to St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, which caused some local controversy because it was a private, mostly white Catholic school.
LeBron James’ High School Career
Basketball
High School Basketball James played basketball in high school. He was tall, standing 6 feet 2 inches as a freshman. He scored a lot, averaging 18 points per game. His team, St. Vincent-St. Mary, won all their games that year and became state champions. As a sophomore, James got even better, averaging 25.3 points per game. They won the state title again.
In his junior year, James grew taller to 6 feet 7 inches. He became famous nationally and was called one of the best high school players in the country. He scored 28 points per game and was named Ohio Mr. Basketball. His team didn’t win the championship that year, and he tried to join the NBA draft early but couldn’t.
During his senior year, LeBron James traveled across the country to play against other top teams. He averaged 30.4 points per game and won more awards. He also got involved in some controversies, like accepting a fancy car as a gift. Despite some issues, he led his team to another state championship.
Football
Football Besides basketball, James also played football. He was a wide receiver and was good enough to get attention from big colleges like Notre Dame. He played well, but in his senior year, he couldn’t play because of a wrist injury from playing basketball.
LeBron James Professional career
LeBron James: The Journey to NBA Greatness
Rookie Year
LeBron James was the #1 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, selected by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. He quickly made history by scoring 25 points in his debut game against the Sacramento Kings, setting an NBA record for a rookie straight out of high school. By the end of his rookie season, he averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Despite his strong performance, the Cavaliers ended the season with a 35-47 record and missed the playoffs.
Becoming a Star
LeBron continued to rise, being named to his first All-Star Game in 2005. That season, he scored 56 points against the Toronto Raptors, a new team record for Cleveland. By 2006, LeBron James was second in the MVP voting and led the Cavaliers to their first playoffs since 1998. Cleveland beat the Washington Wizards but lost to the Detroit Pistons.
In 2007, James had one of the best playoff games ever, scoring 48 points in Game 5 against the Pistons. He led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals for the first time, but they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs, a team with stars like Tim Duncan. LeBron averaged 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game in the Finals.
MVP and Record-Breaking Years
LeBron earned his first NBA MVP Award in 2009, averaging 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. Cleveland set a franchise record of 66 wins that season. However, despite great individual performances, such as scoring 49 points in a playoff game against the Orlando Magic, the Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs.
In 2010, James won his second MVP, averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. But once again, Cleveland fell short in the playoffs, losing to the Boston Celtics. After this, LeBron’s time with the Cavaliers came to an end.
The Decision and Miami Heat
In a highly-publicized event called The Decision, LeBron announced he was leaving Cleveland to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat. While the event raised $2.5 million for charity, it was widely criticized. Cavaliers fans were especially upset, burning his jerseys and accusing him of abandoning his team.
Winning Championships
LeBron’s first year with the Miami Heat didn’t go as planned. They lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 Finals. But LeBron came back stronger, winning his first NBA Championship in 2012 by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. He was named Finals MVP. In 2013, LeBron won his second title with the Heat by beating the San Antonio Spurs in seven games, again earning Finals MVP honors.
Final Year in Miami
LeBron set a career-high by scoring 61 points against the Charlotte Bobcats during the 2013-14 season. The Heat made it to the Finals for the fourth straight year but lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games. LeBron averaged 28.2 points per game in the Finals but couldn’t lead the Heat to a third straight championship.
LeBron’s Impact on the NBA
LeBron James’ journey from Cleveland to Miami marked a major shift in NBA history. His decision to join other stars in Miami influenced many players in the league to form superteams in later years. LeBron has won multiple MVP awards and broken countless records, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
LeBron James’ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 marked one of the most significant homecomings in sports history, culminating in the franchise’s first NBA championship in 2016.
Leading Cleveland to a Championship
James rejoined the Cavaliers in July 2014 after opting out of his contract with the Miami Heat. His decision was well received, contrasting the backlash from his initial departure in 2010. In his first season back, LeBron James led a revamped Cavaliers team, which included All-Stars Kyrie Irving and newly acquired Kevin Love, to the 2015 NBA Finals. Despite injuries to Irving and Love, James put up historic numbers but lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games.
In the 2015–16 season, James and the Cavaliers rebounded, advancing to the Finals again to face the record-breaking 73-win Warriors. After falling behind 3–1 in the series, James delivered back-to-back 41-point games in Games 5 and 6. In Game 7, his iconic chase down block on Andre Iguodala and triple-double performance helped Cleveland complete the first 3–1 comeback in Finals history, securing the city’s first major sports championship in 52 years. James was named the unanimous Finals MVP.
Continued Dominance but Final Departure
The 2016–17 season saw the Cavaliers struggle with injuries and inconsistent play, yet they made their way back to the Finals, where they lost to the Warriors, who had added Kevin Durant. Despite the loss, James became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double in the Finals.
The 2017–18 season was turbulent, marked by the trade of Kyrie Irving and numerous midseason roster changes. James carried Cleveland through the playoffs, delivering multiple game-winning shots and memorable performances, including a 51-point game in the Finals. However, the Cavaliers were swept by the Warriors. After the Finals, LeBron James left Cleveland for the second time, signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
This four-year period in Cleveland solidified James’ legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, especially for his role in delivering the Cavaliers their first championship.
LeBron James and His Time with the Lakers
Joining the Lakers in 2018
In 2018, LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. The move was not just about winning championships but about doing what James wanted. Fans had mixed reactions, but most were positive. The Lakers hoped James would make them title contenders, but the 2018-2019 season didn’t go as planned. James suffered a groin injury on Christmas Day, missing 17 games. The Lakers failed to make the playoffs despite James averaging 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists.
Winning His Fourth Championship
In the 2019-2020 season, the Lakers traded for star Anthony Davis and hired coach Frank Vogel. LeBron played as the team’s main point guard, leading them to a strong 17–2 start. In January 2020, LeBron passed Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on the all-time scoring list, just before Bryant’s tragic death. The season was paused due to COVID-19 but resumed in the NBA Bubble, where the Lakers became the top seed in the playoffs. James led the team to the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Miami Heat in six games. He averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, earning his fourth NBA championship and fourth Finals MVP.
Chasing Back-to-Back Titles
The 2020-2021 season was shortened due to the pandemic, but LeBron James made history, scoring 10 points in 1,000 straight games. Despite an ankle injury in March, LeBron James returned late in the season, helping the Lakers reach the playoffs through a play-in game against the Golden State Warriors, where he hit a game-winning three-pointer. The Lakers, however, lost in the first round to the Phoenix Suns. James finished the season with 25.0 points per game, marking his 17th straight season averaging over 25 points.
Setting More Records
In the 2021-2022 season, LeBron became the first player in NBA history to reach 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists. He continued breaking records, including becoming the oldest player to score 50 points in multiple games during one season. By the end of the season, he averaged 30.3 points per game, but injuries limited his time on the court, and the Lakers missed the playoffs.
Breaking the All-Time Scoring Record
In 2023, LeBron passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. His Lakers fought hard, but injuries hampered their playoff hopes. James finished the regular season averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists. He also became the oldest player to average at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a season. The Lakers reached the playoffs and advanced to the Western Conference finals but lost to the Denver Nuggets despite James scoring 40 points in the final game.
LeBron’s Impressive 2023 Season
In the 2023–24 NBA season, LeBron James was the oldest player in the league. On November 1, he scored 35 points in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. This broke Karl Malone’s record for the most 30-point games after turning 35. Later, LeBron scored 37 points in a win over the Houston Rockets, moving up on both the 3-pointers and steals lists.
On November 21, LeBron made history by becoming the first player to reach 39,000 career points during a big win against the Utah Jazz. By November 27, he also set a new record for the most minutes played in NBA history.
NBA Cup MVP and Breaking More Records
In December, LeBron led the Lakers to victory in the NBA’s first-ever In-Season Tournament, earning the MVP title. This added another major award to his long list of achievements.
In January 2024, LeBron became the first player with 20 All-Star selections. Just days later, he had a huge game against the Golden State Warriors, finishing with 36 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists. This made him the first Lakers player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1976 to get a triple-double with over 30 points and 20 rebounds.
40,000 Career Points
On March 3, LeBron James became the first player ever to reach 40,000 career points. He kept scoring high throughout the season, finishing with a season-high 40 points in games against both the Golden State Warriors and the Brooklyn Nets.
End of the 2023-2024 Season
LeBron James wrapped up his 21st NBA season with impressive numbers: he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game, shooting 54% from the field and 41% from 3-point range. He became the first player to average over 25 points and 8 assists while shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc in a season.
Despite LeBron’s great performances, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. However, LeBron continued to break records, showing he’s still one of the best.
2024–2025 Season: New Beginnings
In July 2024, LeBron James re-signed with the Lakers. In a historic moment, his son, Bronny, was drafted by the Lakers, making them the first-ever father-son duo in NBA history.
LeBron James Personal life
Family
LeBron James married his high school girlfriend, Savannah James, on September 14, 2013, in San Diego, California. They have three children: Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri. Bronny is a talented basketball player. In 2023, he was named a McDonald’s All-American, just like his dad 20 years earlier.
Friendships in the NBA
LeBron has close friends in the NBA, including Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade. They call themselves the banana boat crew. One time in the Bahamas, LeBron saved Carmelo from drowning. Carmelo later said He saved my life. LeBron also has a good friendship with Draymond Green.
Health and Fitness
LeBron takes his health seriously. He spends about $1.5 million a year on personal chefs, trainers, and recovery therapies. Kyle Korver says LeBron’s fitness is on another level. However, LeBron does enjoy wine every night, believing it helps his heart. He also likes to eat desserts with every meal.
In January 2009, doctors found a growth in his jaw at the Cleveland Clinic. It was a benign tumor in his parotid gland. He had to have surgery to remove it in June after the Cavaliers’ playoff run.
LeBron James’s Real Estate
LeBron James owns several impressive homes. While playing for the Miami Heat, he lived in a big house in Coconut Grove worth $9 million. He later bought a mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for about $21 million in 2015. In December 2017, he purchased another house in Brentwood for $23 million. His Beverly Hills home cost $36.75 million in September 2020. LeBron also built a 30,000-square-foot mansion in Akron, Ohio, spending $2.1 million on it.