Net Worth Reaches 1 Billion US Dollars, LeBron James Becomes First Active NBA Player To Become A Billionaire

JAKARTA - Los Angeles Lakers basketball player, LeBron James, made history in the NBA. He became the first active player to become a billionaire.

On Thursday, June 2, local time, Forbes estimated LeBron James' net worth at 1 billion US dollars or equivalent to Rp. 14.4 trillion. Forbes estimated last year James earned 121.2 million US dollars, or around Rp. 1.74 trillion.

Becoming a billionaire is an accomplishment that James talked about in an interview with GQ in 2014.

"If that happens. It's my biggest milestone. Definitely. I want to maximize my efforts. And if I do, if I happen to be a billion dollar athlete, ho. Hip hip hurray! Oh my God, I must be excited," James said at the time, as quoted by Antara from Reuters.

LeBron James earned nearly $400 million during his NBA career with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.

However, James' off-field earnings far exceed that figure. Forbes estimates James has raised more than $900 million from business investments and endorsements.

Its investments and businesses include the Spring Hill Company, which is an umbrella business that includes Uninterrupted and SpringHill Entertainment; Fenway Sports Group; a real estate venture worth US$80 million; and Blaze Pizza.

Raised by an independent mother in Akron, Ohio, she funneled her income back into her hometown. King James opened a school and a nursing home as well as a community center that helps families and children.

On the field, LeBron James has won the NBA four times, was named MVP four times and was named an All-Star 18 times. He also won two Olympic gold medals.