LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers star, has laughed off claims about his billion-dollar net worth, jokingly stating he’s “broke” as the 2025 NBA season looms. This comes amidst rumours linking the forward to a whopping $5billion project to establish a basketball league that would rival the NBA.
James is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in basketball history. The superstar has clinched four championships with three different teams, including the 2020 title with the Lakers, while setting numerous records and becoming a significant influence in the sport.
Despite the potential to start his own rival league, James is preparing for his 23rd NBA season. He’s set to bolster his on-court partnership with Luka Doncic in what could be his final season in LA.
Off the court, James has gained recognition as a savvy business mogul. According to Forbes, the four-time MVP became the first active NBA player to enter the billionaire’s club in 2022 – and only the second in basketball after Michael Jordan. Magic Johnson and the late Junior Bridgeman joined them in 2023 and 2025.
Jordan achieved this milestone in 2014, almost ten years after the Chicago Bulls legend retired from the game.
The Chicago Bulls legend amassed his wealth primarily through his iconic Air Jordan brand and ownership of the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise, whilst James has expanded his business empire to accumulate $1.2billion in pre-tax earnings, including ventures through his SpringHill Company.
However, James vehemently challenges these figures. The Lakers superstar expressed astonishment when confronted with reports claiming his billionaire status.
“Google search is a lie!” James proclaimed during an interview with Complex.
“That is a lie. It’s wrong. It’s way less. Way less. There’s a couple of thousand in my bank. That’s it. I got a couple thousand. I am free for me. Everything I got on is free.”
James then revealed he was wearing a ‘LeBron edition’ Richard Mille timepiece, launched earlier this year, which had been presented to him as a gift.
He added: “You see my wedding band? Free. My hat? Free. Wave cap duey? Free. Listen, Forever King is free for every king’s need. I ain’t got no money, man.
“My kids got all the money now! NILs and s***. They got all the money. They take care of dad now, I got nothing. I’m broke.”
During the previous campaign, James posted averages of 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per match for the Lakers. The four-time MVP is preparing for another stellar showing when the NBA season commences next month.
This article first appeared on Mirror US.