LeBron James has long been known for his on-court dominance; but his approach to finances shows a similar level of vigilance as he detailed the stern warning, he gave his financial advisor, emphasizing accountability.
Stories of athletes losing millions due to unscrupulous agents abound. Dwight Howard once alleged his agent stole $7 million, while Charles Barkley claimed he was cheated out of $100 million, forcing him to rebuild his finances from scratch.
His warning stems from witnessing such pitfalls as he opened up on his his modest roots informed his decision making whilst speaking on his wife, Savannah James’ Everybody’s Crazy podcast.
“Coming from the projects in Akron, Ohio, and like not having s**t,” LeBron said. “It’s hard for me sometimes to take risk.
“Because if that s**t happened or the whole can come off and it’s over with, bro, I’m gonna be devastated.
“But for me, when I’m talking to my business partners and s**t like that, financial advisers, accountants, all that type of s**t.
“My financial adviser, the first thing I told him when he wanted to manage my money, I said ‘N***a, if you steal my money, bro, or if I’m broke, bro, I’m letting you know, bro, it ain’t going to be good for you.'”
James added: “I have a lot of friends that’s more risky and obviously some friends that are less risky.”
James’ caution has clearly paid off as he has avoided financial disasters, illustrating the importance of vigilance and prudence. Young players can look to him as a blueprint for both wealth and security.
Entering his 23rd NBA season, James will have earned $581 million in salaries by the end of 2025-26 but despite this, he maintains a frugal lifestyle, often avoiding unnecessary spending and taking steps to safeguard his wealth.
That comes from limiting app purchases to managing everyday expenses carefully, but also from making sure those with access to his money do not try to take advantage of him.
“I swear to God, I really was like that,” James said, of aggressively defending his money. “I’m really like that because I can’t start over. There’s no way. None of us sitting here can start over.
“I’m not Monopolying this. I’m not starting back at, ‘Pass go you collect $200 and start back at go,’ No, too far gone at this point.”
What is LeBron James net worth in 2025
As of 2025, LeBron James has accumulated a net worth of approximately $1.3 billion, according to Forbes so if anyone swindles $100m from him now, he won’t be struggling for income.
His wealth comes not only from his NBA contracts, which total $581 million in career salaries, but also from lucrative endorsements, smart investments, and business ventures, including stakes in sports franchises and media companies.
Beyond the court, James’ financial strategy emphasizes caution and protection, ensuring long-term security through a very clean public image, with his talent on the basketball court doing the talking for him.
Despite being among the richest athletes ever, James doesn’t splash the cash and his disciplined approach allows him to live comfortably without unnecessary risk
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