LeBron James, often called “King James,” is not just an icon on the basketball court — he’s a force to reckon with off the court as well. The LA Lakers star has been a dominant force in the NBA for over two decades.However, it seems like LeBron James has finally arrived at the twilight of his career. As the NBA star inches towards the ‘second decision’ he’s set to announce, whispers of his retirement are only getting louder. But before he hangs up his jersey – if he does so – the basketball fans have become really curious about another aspect of his career: How much wealth has the LA Lakers star accumulated over the years? What is his true net worth? How much does he still earn?
LeBron James’ net worth: From striking salary to building a business empire
LeBron James is not just one of basketball’s all-time greats — he’s also built a sprawling financial empire off the court. According to Forbes, his net worth stands at around $1.3 billion as of September 2025, making him the first active NBA player to join the billionaire club.That total includes both his on-court earnings and a vast portfolio of endorsements, investments, and business ventures. Earlier estimates placed his net worth around $1.2 billion, noting that over $479 million has come from his NBA salary alone over his career.Although some sources suggest his net worth lies around some $800 million, citing uncertainties in private holdings and valuations, the prevailing consensus in mainstream business and sports media gravitates towards the billion-plus figures – thanks to his deal with Nike, equity in brands, media projects, real estate, and more. In fact, James himself has joked about the inflated numbers. In one Sports Illustrated interview, he quipped: “Google search is a lie … It’s wrong. It’s less. It’s way less … It’s a couple thousand in my bank.” However, that was clearly tongue-in-cheek, as his holdings are far beyond that. So, in short: the best estimate is approximately $1.2–1.3 billion, which also makes him the first active NBA player to reach that milestone.
How much does he earn?
NBA salary: The core strength
On the court, LeBron is still among the highest-paid players in the league. For the 2025–26 season, he has exercised a player option that guarantees him a base salary of $52.6 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. Over the course of his career, he has already amassed over USD 580 million (or more) just from NBA contracts.In the 2024–25 season alone, his combined earnings (salary + endorsements) were estimated at USD 133.8 million, placing him 6th among the world’s highest-paid athletes. According to Forbes, much of that comes from off-court deals.
Off-court income: Endorsements, investments, and business
LeBron’s real wealth lies in his business acumen and endorsement deals:Endorsements and sponsorships: He has deals with major brands such as Nike, PepsiCo, McDonald’s, Beats by Dre, and more. Some reports suggest he earns USD 80 million per year (or more) from endorsements alone.Investments and equity: LeBron does not just endorse — he invests. He has equity in brands he works with (for example, earlier in Beats). He is involved in media through his SpringHill company, has stakes in sports and entertainment ventures, and real estate holdings.
Career cumulative earnings
Over the course of his career, LeBron has earned over $500 million in NBA salary alone and more than $900 million (pre-tax) off the court. So, while the $52.6 million covers his “basketball paycheck,” the bulk of his wealth accumulation comes from smart deals, equity stakes, and business growth. Altogether, for 2025, Forbes ranks him among the world’s highest-paid athletes – earning around $133.8 million combining salary and endorsements. So, the picture is clear: the NBA contract provides a huge base, but the true growth of his net worth comes from smart brand deals, investments, and business ventures.
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