They don’t call LeBron James the GOAT for no reason.
On top of breaking records such as becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, the basketball star has built a business empire on and off the court.
As previously reported by AfroTech, James’ numerous investments — which account for over $500 million of his wealth — have led him to reach billionaire status.
Although his name is always in the spotlight, James has made it known from the beginning of his career who’s been backing his business moves.
During an interview with BET’s Rap City in 2004, he introduced the world to his crew.
“I don’t want nobody to think this is my entourage. This is my business side,” James declared. “King James, Inc, we’re trying to lock down the business side.”
“We’re trying to lock down the business side because I’m doing my part on the court. We gon’ try to do our part off the court also,” he emphasized.
The inception of the “Four Horsemen” becoming a force was thanks to James giving them a real shot regardless of whether they had business degrees under their name.
“Watching my three brothers grow into serious businessmen with purpose fills me with so much pride,” James said in a statement to ESPN’s The Undefeated, per Andscape. “I watched as corporate America tried to look past or dismiss them. I always knew there was something special about Randy, Rich and Maverick and that, together, we were going to do something very different. I am so grateful and blessed that we found each other. And know my life would be very different without them.”
Meet The Black Men In LeBron James’ Business Circle
Rich Paul
Starting as James’ personal stylist, Paul went on to become his NBA agent. As previously reported by AfroTech, he was the one to guide the former Cleveland Cavalier into returning to the team.
What’s more, Paul is the founder of Klutch Sports Group — a leading American sports agency.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth is $120 million, which comes from the percentage of salaries he takes from the players he manages.
Randy Mims
Randy Mims is well-known for being the chief of staff on James’ business team. From scheduling meetings to spearheading business ideas, the manager is ahead of it all.
According to Bleacher Report, James met Mims at the age of five in the Akron housing projects.
“Every teammate I’ve ever had loved Randy more than they loved me,” James said during an episode of “More Than An Athlete.” “Randy keeps the whole thing going. That’s for sure.”
“It’s not about me,” Mims expressed. “Nobody’s paying to see Randy Mims. They’re coming to see the big fella. I could really make this about me but like 16 years ago I left my ego at the door.”
Photo Credit: Ethan Miller
Maverick Carter
Similar to Sims, Maverick Carter met James when he was five-years-old at his eighth birthday party, per Andscape. Now, the two are inseparable.
When it comes to investing, business partnerships, and anything non-NBA related, Maverick Carter is James’ go-to. As previously shared by AfroTech, the duo worked together to create SpringHill Company and UNINTERRUPTED, as well as invest in sports such as Fenway Sports Group (FSG).
“His idea and theory of really truly empowering people is where I get that from, and truly embodying that feeling of giving someone a chance who you believe in and trust and you know they’re going to do the job at the level that you need it done,” Carter shared on “More Than An Athlete.” “I get that from him and he did that for me.”
Carter’s net worth is an estimated $50 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.