Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has had one of the most impressive careers of any athlete as not only did he live up to the insane hype, but he exceeded it.
James is about to enter his 24th season and remains one of the best players in the NBA. In addition to what he has accomplished on the court though, he has also stayed out of trouble off it and built a media and business empire that has led to him becoming a billionaire.
The 41-year-old has earned the respect of his peers both in the basketball and business worlds, with the legendary Warren Buffett recently giving him praise in an interview with Sean Gregory of Time Magazine:
In the face of public doubt, he entrusted his business affairs to friends, used leverage to make his own decisions on where to play, and engaged with the broader world around him. He invested his equity in global sports brands, technology, and his hometown of Akron, Ohio, while enjoying healthy returns. “The guy is smart,” legendary investor Warren Buffett, who’s met with James several times over the years, tells TIME. “He’s a smart guy on the court, he’s a smart guy off the court.”
The fame and money would go to the head of a lot of people in James’ situation, but as he always says, he has been able to keep the main thing the main thing and stay focused on his career.
A lot of athletes have used James as a blueprint for their own careers, and that will likely continue for generations to come as he truly is one of one.
LeBron James outlines when he’ll know he’s ready to retire
All signs point towards James playing at least one more season in the NBA, and he recently discussed when he will know it is time for him to hang it up.
“It’s up to the mind,” James told Time Magazine. “Where the mind goes, the body will lay. When I’m not in love with getting to the arenas on game days five hours before to start my preparation, if I’m out of love with getting to practice 2½ hours beforehand, then I know I’ll be done. Because then I’m going to start cheating the game.”
Once James is done playing for good, he likely will get even more involved with Buffett and the rest of the business world.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
