LeBron James is officially a billionaire, according to Forbes
King James officially has a new title: billionaire.
LeBron James' net worth has reached $1 billion, making him the first active NBA player to hit this milestone, according to Forbes.
The Los Angeles Lakers star is also one of two basketball players to reach $1 billion in net worth. Forbes reports Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan topped the milestone in 2014.
James acknowledged the milestone in a post on Instagram Thursday, which features an image of himself published with Forbes' report. "♟ NOT CHECKERS! 👑," James wrote in a caption.
James' net worth stems from a lot more than just his prolific basketball career. Here's what you should know.
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How much has LeBron earned through basketball?
According to the HoopsHype player salary database, James has earned nearly $350 million over his 19-year career playing for the Lakers, Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers. James is currently entering the final year of his contract with the Lakers, which is expected to pay him an additional $44 million. According to Forbes, James is the second-highest paid athlete in the world, trailing only soccer star Lionel Messi.
How much does LeBron earn through endorsements?
In 2015, James reached a lifetime deal with shoemaker Nike. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but during an interview with GQ, James' friend and business partner Maverick Carter appeared to suggest the deal was worth well over $1 billion.
Forbes reports James also has endorsements with AT&T, PepsiCo and Walmart.
LeBron the investor
Last year, James and Carter became partners in Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC of the English Premier League, and Roush Fenway Racing, among other properties.
James also has stakes in the smart gym company Tonal and ride-hailing service Lyft, reports Forbes, which notes he has cash and other investments totaling $500 million.
James and Carter also co-founded The Springhill Company, which has created a variety of film, television and audio series including "Space Jam: A New Legacy" and "Uninterrupted: The Shop."
LeBron on being a billionaire: 'It's my biggest milestone'
In a 2014 interview with GQ, James discussed his dreams of becoming a billionaire.
"It’s my biggest milestone. Obviously," James told the magazine. "I want to maximize my business. And if I happen to get it, if I happen to be a billion-dollar athlete, ho. Hip hip hooray! Oh, my God, I’m gonna be excited."
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