With a stacked resume, it's safe to say that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James belongs in the GOAT conversation. James is a four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, one-time NBA Cup Champion, one-time NBA Cup MVP, two-time NBA MVP, and a 20-time All-Star. Furthermore, he's the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
But while James has dominated the NBA, there's no doubt that James shines not only on the basketball hardwood but also off the court. Let's take a look at LeBron James' 10 greatest off-the-court achievements.
10. Fenway Sports Group
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 CONGRATS MEN!! 🏆 https://t.co/FGvflc16vv
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 25, 2024
Back in 2021, LeBron James made a move to join Fenway Sports Group as a partner to become one of the first black owners. In the process, James became the part owner of several organizations such as the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool F.C., RFK Racing, and New England Sports Network.
As part owner of Liverpool F.C., the organization saw plenty of success including becoming Premier League Champions during the 2019-20 season. It was the first time an NBA player won a Premier League championship. Recently, Liverpool F.C. also conquered the Carabao Cup.
9. Blaze Pizza
Before his game vs. @chicagobulls, LeBron James surprises staff at Blaze Pizza @KingJames: https://t.co/ygbSuPPkyx pic.twitter.com/FKfkS86us2
— Eater Chicago (@eaterchicago) April 8, 2016
Fresh from winning his first NBA championship, James invested in Blaze Pizza for $1 million. Since then, the pizza chain has operated in 19 outlets in Chicago and Miami. Years later, James' stake has grown up to at least $35 million, according to Sportskeeda.
8. Beats Electronics
8) In 2016, Apple acquired Beats Electronics for $3 billion — including their newly launched Beats Music platform.
Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine each made ~$750M, while LeBron James took home $30M — which was more than his NBA salary at the time.
Not bad for a "silent investor." pic.twitter.com/Sdk8ps5d0a
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) December 2, 2020
Aside from his investment in Blaze Pizza, James continued to rake in huge money as a businessman after investing in Beats Electronics. Years later, Apple purchased the firm for $3 billion. After the transaction, James enjoyed a lucrative $30 million payday.
7. Lifetime endorsement deal with Nike
20 years ago today, LeBron James turned down a $110M offer from Reebok for a 7-year, $87M deal with Nike.
Since then, his Nike deal has:
▪️ Launched 20 signature shoes
▪️ Started paying $30M+ annually
▪️ Had a building named after him
▪️ Turned into a lifetime contract
▪️ Helped… pic.twitter.com/PQrmgpCwUj— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 22, 2023
With LeBron James sticking with Nike throughout his decorated NBA career, it isn't surprising that The King is sticking with the sports giant for the rest of his life. In fact, Nike rewarded James with a lifetime deal worth $1 billion.
6. Primetime Emmy Award nomination
Lebron James! Could It Be?
Emmy Award Winner for Best Unconstructed Reality Program. @kingjames served as Executive Producer of Disney + Docuseries “Becoming.” Such a phenomenal docuseries that many were able to relate.
Wouldn’t you agree this is Emmy Worthy? pic.twitter.com/N4o8cJHysw
— Gold Derby (@GoldDerby) August 2, 2021
During the same year LeBron James won a championship with the Purple and Gold, James also served as the producer to the Disney TV series Becoming. The series featured successful celebrities and athletes and how they overcame their obstacles to becoming who they are today.
For producing the series, James earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program.
5. Smashing Hollywood debut in Trainwreck
As mentioned on OTBAM earlier I'd say LeBron James' acting chops in Trainwreck are right up there with the best ever by an athlete in Hollywood pic.twitter.com/mblwDbtQmF
— Ronan MuIIɐn (@RonanReigns) November 5, 2021
Prior to being a producer, James actually made his Hollywood film debut in 2015's Trainwreck. Here, James acted alongside big-time Hollywood celebrities such as Amy Schumer, Brie Larson, Bill Hader and John Cena. Trainwreck grossed nearly $141 million around the world against a $35 million budget.




4. SpringHill Company
Regina Hall jokes “I’m surprised Space Jam 2 didn’t get a #Oscar nomination for best effects after that hairline they gave LeBron James.”
See the full winners list: https://t.co/LAXthSkgVl pic.twitter.com/erXvHakkqj
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 28, 2022
With some experience on the big screen, James served as a founder for entertainment and production firm SpringHill Company. Some of SpringHill Company's notable works include the hit Netflix series Adam Sandler's Hustle, Fantasy Football, What's My Name: Muhammad Ali and House Party.
However, its biggest production has to be LeBron James' Space Jam: The New Legacy. The film grossed over $163 million worldwide against a $150 million budget.
3. More Than a Vote campaign
LeBron James, Jalen Rose, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Kevin Hart and others are teaming together with More Than a Vote – an initiative meant to energize voting in black communities while exposing voter suppression tactics heading into November's election https://t.co/NduakeLeni
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 11, 2020
After being told to “Shut up and dribble,” James didn't let his critics stop him from using his platform to voice out against social injustices. In fact, The King decided to serve as a founder for the More Than a Vote campaign. The campaign aims to battle voter suppression. Furthermore the move promoted ballot access for Black voters.
2. Being a great family man
LeBron really winning at life:
Savannah James is bad & been on our necks looking so fine 😍
Both LeBron‘s son (Bronny & Bryce) gonna be in the NBA & Zhuri already the superstarY’all gonna be mad for a very long time at the LeBron James legacy … this family is ELITE pic.twitter.com/l3JrULK8Tl
— Raquel 🫶🏾 (@SOULbeautifulme) July 13, 2023
While James is often both commended and hated for his achievements on the court, there's no question that James' behavior as a family man is often overlooked. While it's a growing norm that common world-class athletes and celebrities engage in activities that ruin marriages and families, James has stayed dedicated as a family man in terms of being a good husband and father.
Moreover, he not only provided his family in terms of basic necessities but also found a way to be present by giving them a tremendous amount of support and love.
1. The LeBron James Family Foundation
It's crazy how many people want to see LeBron James fail.
Even when 8th graders fail a math test, it's seen as a failure for LeBron. Like he's LeTeacher or something.
"0% of 8th graders in LeBron's 'I Promise' School have passed the state's math exam since 2018."
The most… pic.twitter.com/qHqiCYs7lt
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 4, 2023
But among LeBron James' achievements, there's no question that his philanthropic efforts has positively affected the community in boundaries no one can ever imagine. With the LeBron James Family Foundation, James helped open the I Promise School.
The I Promise School caters to the “at-most-risk” students by providing them free tuition, free uniforms, free transportation, free meals, etc. In addition to this, students who meet the criteria will have the benefit of attending the University of Akron with a guaranteed tuition.
In addition to the I Promise School, James also promoted a tightly knitted community with the LeBron James Family Foundation. Some of the other projects include the I Promise Institute, I Promise Program, and House Three Thirty.