7 interesting facts about Lebron James that you probably didn’t know

Everyone knows how good LeBron James is at basketball. What you might not know, though, are these seven interesting facts about “The King”.

LeBron’s ‘Decision’ generated $6 million in ad revenue

LeBron James’ choice to air the ‘Decision’ on prime-time television was a controversial one. It broke the hearts of Cleveland Cavaliers fans and enraged basketball fans around the world who thought LeBron was turning the whole scenario into a larger-than-needed commotion.

In fact, the entire idea of airing the announcement that he would be taking his talents to South Beach didn’t please anybody, except maybe Miami Heat fans and charities.

LeBron would go on to donate the ad revenue to a number of charities. The largest benefactor was the Boys & Girls Clubs across the United States, who received more than $2 million.

LeBron is one of two players to have won the league MVP, Finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medal in the same year

In 2012, LeBron James led the Miami Heat to an NBA Championship after securing the league MVP in the same year. To top off a spectacular 2012 for LeBron, he also won an Olympic gold medal in the same year, becoming the second player to ever win all three in a year.

The other? Michael Jordan, of course.

Jordan achieved this in 1992 when he and the “Dream Team” secured an Olympic gold medal in the same year that he won league MVP and NBA Finals MVP with the Chicago Bulls.

LeBron rejected a Reebok offer of $10 million when he was 18-years-old

Life is a marathon and not a sprint.

When Reebok offered LeBron James a tempting $10 million opportunity at the age of 18-years-old, LeBron politely declined.

Why? Well, Reebok had included a clause that LeBron would need to reject any future meetings with Nike and Adidas.

LeBron has since stated: “I started thinking, like, ‘If this guy… if he’s willing to give me a $10 million check right now, what is it to say if Nike or Adidas isn’t willing to give me $20 or $30 [million] upfront'”.

It was probably the best decision of his life and here’s why:

LeBron’s first deal was $90m

In 2003, LeBron James signed a ridiculous $90 million deal with Nike.

James was receiving unprecedented media coverage upon entering the NBA. It was a genius decision for companies such as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok to go after “The King.”

The contract, which was for seven years, was completely unprecedented at the time. But, what was also unique was the broad coverage of LeBron James before entering the NBA.

LeBron only stopped playing football because of a wrist injury

LeBron James is not just one of most-skilled basketballers of our generation; he’s also one of the best all-around athletes in any sport.

The idea that LeBron James could have been an elite football player in the NFL is legitimate. In high school, LeBron was an All-State wide receiver and was playing both basketball and football at the time.

However, upon injuring his wrist, LeBron decided it would be best to walk away from the football field and focus entirely on basketball.

LeBron was the first player to receive a lifetime contract with Nike

In December 2015, Lebron James signed a lifetime deal with Nike.

Nike stated: “We can confirm that we have agreed to a lifetime relationship with LeBron that provides significant value to our business, brand, and shareholders.”

While exact financial figures have never been confirmed, it’s expected that LeBron’s deal was worth upwards of $1 billion.

Since LeBron put pen to paper, Nike also locked down lifelong deals with Michael Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo.

LeBron is a part owner of Liverpool FC

Whether or not Liverpool have had success on or off the field, LeBron James has been raking in money from his investment in one of the biggest football clubs worldwide.

This, much like some of the other facts presented in this article, just proves how business-savvy LeBron James is.