LeBron James is not only known as one of the greatest basketball players in history, but he’s also one of the wealthiest athletes ever. His incredible career on the court has been matched by his smart investments, massive endorsement deals, and business ventures off the court.
As of 2025, LeBron continues to be a dominant force in the NBA while building a fortune that goes beyond basketball.
LeBron James’ Current Salary and NBA Career
In June 2025, LeBron James exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, which is reportedly worth $52.6 million. This deal marks his eighth season with the Lakers. Even at the age of 40, LeBron shows no signs of slowing down, and his earnings are still impressive.
LeBron’s career has been filled with record-breaking contracts and major salary increases. He first entered the NBA in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a rookie contract worth about $13 million over three years. Over the years, his contracts only got bigger.
In 2006, he signed a $60 million extension with Cleveland, and by 2010, when he joined the Miami Heat, he was securing a six-year, $110 million deal. After returning to Cleveland in 2014, his contract terms allowed him to benefit from rising salary caps and negotiate bigger payouts.
In 2018, LeBron signed a four-year, $153 million deal with the Lakers. Later, in 2022, he agreed to a two-year, $97 million extension. These high-value contracts have made LeBron one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
LeBron James’ Net Worth in 2025
LeBron James is officially a billionaire. According to Forbes, his net worth reached $1.2 billion in 2025, making him the first active NBA player to achieve this milestone. He became a billionaire in 2022, which was a dream he had expressed in a 2014 interview with GQ.
LeBron’s excitement about the idea of becoming a billion-dollar athlete was clear when he said, “If I happen to be a billion-dollar athlete—ho, hip hip hooray! Oh my God, I’m gonna be excited.”
This impressive fortune comes not just from his NBA earnings but also from lucrative endorsement deals, investments, and business ventures.
LeBron’s lifetime contract with Nike, worth over $1 billion on its own, has been a key part of his wealth. Additionally, he has signed major deals with brands like Beats by Dre and PepsiCo, further boosting his income.
Off-the-Court Ventures
While his basketball salary is significant, LeBron’s business endeavors have often earned him more money than his NBA paychecks. He has invested in a variety of industries, from media to fitness, and has been involved in ownership stakes in different ventures.
His endorsement deals, including the deal with Nike, have contributed significantly to his wealth. The partnership with Nike, in particular, is expected to continue providing him with revenue for years to come.
LeBron James’ Family Life
LeBron is also a family man, married to Savannah James. Together, they have three children: Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri. Bronny, born in 2004, made history in 2024 when he was drafted by the Lakers, joining his father on the NBA court.
This made them the first father-son duo in NBA history to play together. Bryce, born in 2007, currently plays basketball at the high school level, while Zhuri, born in 2014, has gained social media fame with her YouTube channel, “All Things Zhuri,” where she shares cooking and lifestyle videos.
LeBron James’ incredible career achievements both on and off the court have helped him amass a fortune that has now surpassed $1 billion. From his massive NBA contracts to his endorsement deals and investments, LeBron’s financial success is a reflection of his business savvy and athletic excellence.
His wealth continues to grow, ensuring that he remains one of the most influential and prosperous athletes in the world.
