LeBron realized he could make living off basketball 2-3 years before going pro

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James not only has made a living off of his lengthy professional basketball career, but he’s a billionaire and one of the wealthiest athletes on the planet.

Some may think that James always knew he’d end up making a living through basketball, but according to the man himself, he was in high school when the realization hit him.

“No, I didn’t grasp that until high school, like you said,” James said of when he realized basketball could be his livelihood. “Once I got into high school, maybe after my freshman or sophomore year where I was like, ‘Oh, wow. I’m actually really, really good at this. And if I just continue to put the time into it, maybe I can make something out of it.’

“Even when I was younger, before I even thought it could be something, I had dreams of being in the NBA and playing in the All-Star Game or hitting a buzzer-beater shot with the crowd going crazy. But I had those dreams when I were nine, 10 years old, before I even thought it could become something. But once the conversation started to begin, probably when I was around 15, 16 years old, I was like, ‘Oh, okay. Let’s really lock in.'”

James entered the league surrounded by sky-high expectations after he got drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Somehow, he didn’t just live up to those expectations — he exceeded them. He really never went through the growing pains that many young NBA players have to experience before finding their footing in the league.

After all, James made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers when he was just 18 years old, and he ended that game against the Sacramento Kings with 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists and four steals.

Even before James got to the NBA, his financial situation drastically changed when he signed a massive endorsement deal with Nike. He then got to the league and started to accrue even more wealth through NBA contracts and other avenues.

Clearly, he was proven right in his belief that he could support himself and his family by playing the sport he loves so much, as he’s built generational wealth with all of the money he’s amassed. Even now, he’s raking in plenty of money from his playing career that’s still going strong, as he is set to earn more than $52 million in the coming 2025-26 season.

Elsewhere, he continues to benefit from the countless opportunities he has created for himself off the floor.

James’ rise from a kid living in Ohio to one of the most rich and recognized basketball players in the history of the sport is a testament to both his talent and work ethic. His ability to overcome the odds should also encourage today’s younger folks to pursue their dreams.