That “kid from Akron” is now known as Akron’s Billion Dollar Man.
When LeBron James signed what was called a historic lifetime contract with Nike back in December, the terms were not disclosed but some speculated it was worth an unprecedented billion dollars.
In an interview with GQ’s Mark Anthony Green, James’ business manager and childhood friend, Maverick Carter has ended the speculation.
When asked “how much was the deal for?” Carter initially replied, “I can’t say.”
Pressed further to “ballpark” the figure, Carter asked Green, “What are people saying?”
Green told Carter that rapper Kanye West put the figure at a billion.
Carter reportedly smiled and pointed one finger in the air.
Cha-ching!
James reportedly has earned at least $240 million so far with his partnership with Nike hawking gear and signature shoes. He is on his 13th version of the LeBrons.
Aside from his signature dunks on the court and tearing through the NBA playoffs leading the Cavs to nine consecutive wins, James is also working on projects outside of the arena including television projects and dabbling in movies such as Trainwreck and an anticipated redo of the cult classic Space Jam movie.
For Cavs fans and long suffering Cleveland sports nuts, seven more wins to a world championship ring would be worth that billion bucks or two or even three for James.
Craig Webb, who is weary-eyed from staying up late watching the NBA playoffs, can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3547.