LeBron James

From Akron Poverty to Basketball's All-Time Leading Scorer

sports business entertainment
LeBron James

Net Worth

$1.2B

Born

December 30, 1984 (age 41)

Country

United States

Occupation

Professional Basketball Player, Entrepreneur

Gender

male

Generation

Millennial

Marital Status

married

Children

3

Single Parent Household

Yes

Education

High School

Industries

sports, business, entertainment

Wealth Category

billionaire

Wealth Origin

self-made

First-Gen Wealth

Yes

Overcame

  • • Born to a 16-year-old single mother in Akron, Ohio
  • • Moved frequently during childhood; lived with various family friends
  • • Grew up in poverty without a father figure
  • • Faced intense media scrutiny from age 15 as 'The Chosen One'

LeBron James is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has won four NBA championships with three different teams. He is also a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Career Timeline

1984

Born in Akron, Ohio to 16-year-old single mother Gloria James

1999 Age 14
Turning Point

Began attending St. Vincent-St. Mary High School; emerged as basketball prodigy

2002 Age 17
Milestone

Featured on Sports Illustrated cover as 'The Chosen One'

2003 Age 19
Milestone

Drafted #1 overall by Cleveland Cavaliers directly from high school

2003 Age 19
Achievement

Named NBA Rookie of the Year

2010 Age 25
Turning Point

Left Cleveland for Miami Heat; 'The Decision' broadcast

2012 Age 27
Milestone

Won first NBA championship with Miami Heat

2014 Age 29
Turning Point

Returned to Cleveland Cavaliers

2016 Age 31
Milestone

Led Cavaliers to first NBA championship in franchise history

2018 Age 33
Turning Point

Signed with Los Angeles Lakers

2020 Age 35
Milestone

Won fourth NBA championship with Lakers

2023 Age 38
Milestone

Became NBA's all-time leading scorer, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Notable Quotes

"I'm going to use all my tools, my God-given ability, and make my life better and the lives of others better."

— Interview, 2014

"You can't be afraid to fail. It's the only way you succeed."

— Interview, 2016

"I like criticism. It makes you strong."

— Interview, 2018

"Once you become a professional, it's all about how you prepare yourself each and every day."