LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has become the NBA’s first billionaire

LeBron James may be one of the most well-known NBA players of all time, but his influence stretches far beyond the sport.

Off the court, James has been involved in various projects that have helped his brand grow. The most recent release of the highly anticipated “Space Jam: A New Legacy” was James’ first film.

During its first weekend, the film outperformed Marvel’s Black Widow at the box office, demonstrating James’ popularity and influence.

James became a part-owner of Fenway Sports Group earlier this year. He had a tiny share in FSG-owned Liverpool F.C. in the English Premier League for several years, but he traded it in for a larger position with additional FSG-owned teams.

He has also partnered with Blaze Pizza, Nike, and others, and his total profits have topped $1 billion.

LeBron is 1st NBA star with $1 billion in career earnings–salary/endorsements–while still active. Next up among current players:

KD: $580 million
Curry: $430 million https://t.co/zrfncDk7Lf via @sportico

— Kurt Badenhausen (@kbadenhausen) July 22, 2021

James has become the first NBA player to attain this milestone while still in the league. Michael Jordan may have been unable to strike the target while on the court, but his total earnings to this day exceed $2 billion.

At 36 years old, James has reached that dreaded age when most players’ abilities begin to wane. But he isn’t like most players, and he’s stated that he may stay with the Lakers for another four to seven years.

Kevin Durant ($580 million) and Stephen Curry ($430 million) are two more active NBA players in the same income category as James.

(via Sportico’s Kurt Badenhausen and Bleacher Report)