LeBron James, the Lakers’ superstar, has a billion-dollar net worth

LeBron James continues to make headlines both on and off the court. According to Forbes, after his 19th season in the league, the Lakers great has officially become a billionaire, making him the first active NBA player to do so.

Michael Jordan is the only other basketball billionaire, according to Forbes. He supposedly accomplished the feat in 2014, 11 years after his previous game.

LeBron James Is Officially A Billionaire https://t.co/vKXxBzL9wf pic.twitter.com/5c6cdbYLN8

— Forbes (@Forbes) June 2, 2022

James is one of the most decorated players in NBA history, having been selected first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. He’s been named to 18 All-Star teams, 18 All-NBA teams, six All-Defensive teams, four MVP awards, four championships, and four Finals MVP honors in his career.

At the commencement of the 2021-22 season, James was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

According to Spotrac, James has earned a total of $387.4 million in compensation from the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers during his NBA career, the most among active players. According to Forbes, he has made “upwards of $900 million in endorsements and other financial endeavours,” which include his production company SpringHill Company, a minority ownership in Liverpool F.C., and a lifetime contract with Nike.

It may come as a surprise to learn that James wasn’t the highest-paid player in the NBA this season, but when his off-court earnings are factored in, only soccer star Lionel Messi earns more than him in 2022.

In the 2021-22 NBA season, just five players earned more than James ($41.2 million). Stephen Curry of the Warriors was first on the list, followed by James Harden, John Wall, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant.

Curry, Harden, Wall, and Westbrook are expected to earn more than James in the 2022-23 season.