According to Forbes, James is the first active NBA player to have a billion dollar net worth.
According to Forbes, the Los Angeles Lakers megastar made $121.2 million in on-court and off-court earnings over the course of five years. Lionel Messi made more money than any other athlete on Forbes' highest-paid athletes list.
James has thought about reaching $1 billion for a while.
James said he wanted to maximize his business in the past. If I'm a billion-dollar athlete, I'll get it. It's hip hiphooray! It's my god. I am going to be happy.
Although the Lakers struggled and James missed the playoffs for the fourth time in his career, he became the oldest player in the NBA to average 30 points per game.
According to Forbes, James sold a minority stake in his production company, SpringHill, for $725 million. SpringHill produced the "Space Jam" sequel, which made $163 million worldwide, as well as "The Shop" and a docu series with Naomi Osaka. The company is making a remake of a comedy.
In his 19-year career, James has made more than $400 million in salary.
James made the rest of his money.
More than half a billion dollars from cash and investments. James made money from the sale of Beats by Dre to Apple as well as Beachbody.
A $90 million donation from the sports group. James was an owner of the team. He got an ownership stake in the group. The group recently agreed to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins for $900 million.
A $10 million mansion in Ohio and two homes in the Los Angeles area were paid for by James.
James bought a 10% stake in the pizza chain in 2012 for less than $1 million.