As LeBron James officially becomes a billionaire, marking the first time an active NBA player has achieved such a status, people are remembering the journey he took to reach the historic milestone. Some fans reflected on the superstar’s career while watching a video of 18-year-old James talking about how he handles pressure.
At the time, James was asked if he feels pressure while facing unprecedented hype and expectations as a teen.
“There’s no pressure,” the basketball star told reporters. “I’ve been facing pressure since I was 10 years old. I don’t think there’s no pressure for me because I’m doing something I love to do. That’s play the game of basketball. I’m doing the same thing y’all love to do. Y’all love to watch me play basketball.”
James was also asked to define success for himself as a rookie and in the long run.
“I never say myself,” he said. “I always say my team. It’s not about myself. It’s just about how well as a team we can grow, as a family. And just get better every single day. Because the other teams out there is getting better every day, and if we take one step backwards, we’re gonna end up like we was this year.”
At 18, LeBron James was asked how he’d handle the pressure to succeed:
— Jon Erlichman (@JonErlichman) June 2, 2022
19 years later, he’s a billionaire.pic.twitter.com/nOngyrCQTK
While looking back at James’ career, fans admired the superstar’s work ethic, humbleness and discipline.
Work, sacrifice, focus, method and constancy.
It applies to everyone, even the talented. Talent or luck alone is never enough.— Nico Nobili (@SirNickNite) June 2, 2022
Not a single scandal in his 19 years in NBA
— script_ (@Slim_chevy) June 3, 2022
19 years later and LeBron is still killing it. He's a true inspiration and proof that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible. pic.twitter.com/vNFsQFsLZp
— Albus (@tweetingalbus) June 2, 2022
According to Forbes, James has “maximized his business” and generated more than $1.2 billion in pretax earnings. The Los Angeles Lakers star has earned $383 million from three different teams during the past 19 years. He has also generated more than $900 million in income from endorsements and other business ventures.
James’ ventures include his movie studio SpringHill Entertainment, which helped produce Space Jam: A New Legacy. The movie, starring James, earned $163 million in box office receipts worldwide.
The four-time NBA champion made it a goal to become a billionaire.
“It’s my biggest milestone,” he told GQ in a 2014 interview. “Obviously I want to maximize my business. And if I happen to get it, if I happen to be a billion-dollar athlete, ho. Hip hip hooray! Oh, my God, I’m gonna be excited.”
Michael Jordan, the only other basketball billionaire on Forbes’ list, didn’t achieve the milestone until 10 years after he retired.
