LeBron James does get his flowers on a regular basis for being one of the best players in league history. But people often tend to forget just how good James is as a businessman and an entrepreneur. Thanks to his hefty NBA contracts, endorsements, and brand deals, the King has been able to invest in many business ventures, projects, and investment opportunities, which allowed him to reach a staggering $1 billion net worth earlier in 2022. Three years before Forbes officially dubbed LBJ a billionaire, Steve Harvey was all praises for the four-time NBA Champion. During the comedian’s appearance on First Take, he gave Bron his flowers for his off-court success. Harvey also claimed that the four-time Most Valuable Player was making an intelligent business decision by agreeing to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Steve Harvey is one of the biggest Cleveland Cavaliers fans out there. Raised in Ohio, Harvey has been supporting the franchise for as long as he can remember. The entire world was left in awe when the LeBron James-led Cavs shocked the Golden State Warriors by coming back from a 3-1 deficit to win the 2016 Championship. Harvey was among the group of die-hard Cleveland fans who were ecstatic all summer long. During the first episode of the fifth season of Harvey’s Steve TV Show, the crew revealed that they had a surprise planned for him – a personalized message from LeBron. After hearing what the reigning Finals MVP had to say, the TV personality was over the moon.

Steve Harvey praised LeBron James for being a successful businessman

Steve Harvey has made a few appearances on ESPN’s First Take over the past years. In one of his appearances during the 2018-2019 campaign, the actor was asked to comment on LeBron James’ success off the court.

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After briefly acknowledging the philanthropic ventures of the King, Harvey shed light on the then-three-time Champ’s acute business acumen. Further, the celebrity also believed that LBJ’s decision to join the LA side was a smart business move. According to Harvey, Magic Johnson convinced James by selling him the idea of all the money he could earn off of the hardwood in Los Angeles. The comedian told Stephen A. Smith:

“His[LeBron’s] community service, impeccable, what he does for so many young people. I understand him coming to LA… he’s a smart guy. LeBron is a genius as a businessman and if you don’t think our friend Magic Johnson, who is another incredible businessman, said to him, ‘Come out here and play with us. You will be sitting next to me.’ And Magic making more money than all of us in business. If you don’t think that persuaded him to come to LA, against my better wishes.” 

LeBron has managed to earn $431 million through his contracts, playing 20 years in the league. However, endorsements with Nike, PepsiCo, and Walmart, and investments in Beats by Dre, SpringHill Company, and Blaze Pizza have helped the future Hall-Of-Famer gather a billion-dollar net worth.

LeBron almost forfeited $99 million

LeBron James signed a $99 million maximum veteran contract extension during the 2022 offseason. The four-time Finals MVP will receive $47.6 million during the 2023-2024 season and $51.4 million during the 2024-2025 season by virtue of signing the near-$100 million deal.

However, LBJ was ready to forfeit all this money. Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 4-0 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, LeBron made waves on social media after mysteriously answering a few questions about retirement. However, during the ESPYs ceremony, the Forward made it pretty clear that he was going to be suiting up for the upcoming season.

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