LeBron James: Biography, Net Worth, NBA Records, Stats & Personal Life

LeBron James is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and is frequently at the center of debates regarding the sport’s all-time best, often being compared to Michael Jordan. James has won four NBA Championships from 10 NBA Final appearances, having made eight consecutive appearances between 2011 and 2018. He also won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers, three Olympic gold medals as a member of the U.S. National Team, and the Olympic MVP in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

LeBron James Early Life

James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria Marie James, who was only 16 at the time of his birth. When James was growing up, life was often a struggle for the family, as they moved from apartment to apartment in the seedier neighborhoods of Akron while Gloria struggled to find steady work.

Realizing that her son would be better off in a more stable family environment, Gloria allowed him to move in with the family of Frank Walker, a local youth football coach who introduced James to basketball when he was nine years old. James began playing organized basketball in the fifth grade. He later played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars.

LeBron James Biography

LeBron James Career

LeBron James rose to fame during his high school years at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, earning numerous awards and recognition. James was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. He quickly proved himself, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2004.

Over the next few years, James led the Cavaliers to several playoff appearances, including their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007. James’ impressive performance earned him his first NBA MVP award in 2009. He repeated this feat in 2010, leading the Cavaliers to the best record in the league.

LeBron James High School Career

As a 6-foot-2-inch freshman, James averaged 18 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School varsity basketball team. LeBron was also a member of the Fighting Irish football team his freshman, sophomore, and junior year The Fighting Irish went 27–0 en route to the Division III state title, making them the only boys high school team in Ohio to finish the season undefeated. As a sophomore, James averaged 25.3 points and 7.4 rebounds, along with 5.5 assists and 3.7 steals per game.

LeBron James High School Stats

LeBron James won many awards in high school, including: 

• Ohio’s Mr. Basketball: Won this award three years in a row, starting in his sophomore year 
• National High School Player of the Year: Named this in 2003 
• PARADE High School Boys Player of the Year: Won this award twice, in his junior and senior years 
• Gatorade National Player of the Year: Won this award twice, in 2002 and 2003 
• USA Today High School Player of the Year: Won this award twice, in 2002 and 2003 
• McDonald’s National Player of the Year: Won this award in 2003 
• McDonald’s High School All-American: Selected for this team in 2003 
• USA Today All-USA First Team: Selected for this team three years in a row, from 2001 to 2003 

James also led his high school basketball team to three state championships, in 2000, 2001, and 2003. He was the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

LeBron James Professional Career

LeBron has appeared in 287 playoff games (all starts) for the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Heat, averaging 28.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 41.3 minutes. He is the NBA Playoffs all-time leader in wins (183), games played (287), points (8,162), field goals (2,928), free throws (1,836), steals (483), and minutes (11,858). He has won an NBA-record 41 career playoff series and played in 8 consecutive NBA Finals (2011-2018).

These Professional Career Stats of LeBron James are taken from the ESPN –

LeBron James Awards and Achievements

LeBron James has an impressive collection of Olympic medals, with a total of four medals, including three gold medals and one bronze medal. He won his bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and then went on to win gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2012 London Olympics, and 2024 Paris Olympics.

LeBron James has been a key player in the USA men’s basketball team, helping them win multiple gold medals and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

LeBron James Records

LeBron James holds many NBA records including:

LeBron James is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, with 38,652 points, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record. He averages 27.2 points per game over his 20 seasons. Michael Jordan, on the other hand, averaged 33.6 points per game in the NBA Finals, but James’ overall scoring record is unmatched.

While James isn’t known for his rebounding, he still ranks 32nd all-time with 10,667 rebounds. In playmaking, he’s 4th all-time in assists with 10,420, behind John Stockton, Jason Kidd, and Chris Paul.

LeBron James Net Worth and Salary

LeBron has a net worth of $1.2 billion approximately. In 2022, James became the NBA’s first active player to become a billionaire. In addition to his illustrious basketball career that has earned him millions, James is also a savvy investor who scooped up millions from endorsement deals. James earned more than $479 million in his two decades playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. In 2024, James signed a two-year contract worth $101.35 million with the Lakers.

Forbes estimates that James has more than $500 million in cash and other investments, along with an $80 million real estate portfolio. His partnerships with some of the world’s biggest brands include a 2015 lifetime deal with Nike and others with PepsiCo. His endorsements and businesses earned him over $900 million in 2022. James earned an estimated $80 million in endorsement and sponsorship deals in 2024.

LeBron James has a diverse portfolio of investments that have contributed to his billionaire status. James and his business partner Maverick Carter invested in Fenway Sports Group, making them part-owners of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club. James owns SpringHill Entertainment which has produced TV shows like “Survivor’s Remorse” and “The Shop”, as well as movies like “Hustle” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy”.

LeBron James Wife

Lebron James has a very old-school love story with his wife Savannah James. LeBron and Savannah’s story began in high school when a mutual friend told Savannah that LeBron had asked for her phone number. She took his number instead and gave him a call a few years later. He invited her to his game, which ended with the team hanging out at Applebee’s, and shortly after, he asked her out on a date. LeBron was quoted saying that she was with him, even when he had nothing, and credited her for being a motivational factor for his success.

In 2003, during LeBron’s rookie year in the NBA, the couple discovered that they were expecting their first child, LeBron James Jr., affectionately called Bronny. Nearly three years later, the couple welcomed their second child Bryce Maximus.

LeBron James Parents

LeBron James is the son of Gloria Marie James and Anthony McClelland. James’ mother was only 16 at the time of his birth. He had a complicated relationship with his father.

His mom was his main support, she was left to take care of her young child. She struggled financially and often had to keep shifting homes to take up jobs. Gloria had not completed her education due to her pregnancy, which was why she was unable to find a stable job.

LeBron James Kids

LeBron James has 3 kids with his wife Savannah Brinson. Their oldest son takes his name from his famous father, LeBron James Jr, popularly known as Bronny James. After Bronny, the pair had Bryce Maximus James, who is 17 years old and is followed by his sister, Zhuri James.

Bronny James is the eldest son of LeBron James. He plays point guard for the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. LeBron James has previously expressed his desire to play with his son in the NBA before he retires. Bronny James was part of the NBA Draft 2024 and was selected as the 55th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Like his older brother, Bryce has a keen interest in basketball and has spoken in the past about following in his father’s footsteps. Zhuri James was born in 2014 and is the youngest child of LeBron James and Savannah. Zhuri is already very popular and is often seen in social media posts made by other members of her family, including her world-famous father.

How many Rings Does LeBron James Have?

James has won four NBA championships from 10 NBA Finals appearances, having made eight consecutive appearances between 2011 and 2018. LeBron James won his first 2 rings with the Miami Heat as part of the famous Big 3 alongside Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. James then returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 and won his 3rd ring in their second season. It was the first championship in franchise history and the first title for the city of Cleveland in 52 years. In 2018, LeBron decided to join the LA Lakers and only in his second year helped them win their 17th NBA title and his 4th ring.