Top 10 Unknown Facts About LeBron James
It is inevitable that LeBron James will come up while discussing basketball icons. LeBron is frequently in the news as a four-time NBA champion, MVP, and Olympic gold medalist. However, most fans are unaware of certain intriguing lesser-known facts about his life that go beyond his statistics and titles.
LeBron James – Personal Details
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | LeBron Raymone James Sr. |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1984 |
| Age (as of June 2025) | 40 years old |
| Place of Birth | Akron, Ohio, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 250 lbs (113 kg) |
| Current Team | Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) |
| Jersey Number | 23 (also wore 6 during certain seasons) |
| Position | Small Forward / Power Forward |
| High School | St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, Akron, Ohio |
| Draft Year | 2003 (1st overall pick by Cleveland Cavaliers) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Savannah James |
| Children | Bronny James, Bryce Maximus James, Zhuri James |
| Religion | Christian |
| Hobbies | Reading, Gaming, Acting, Philanthropy |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated over $1 billion USD |
1. LeBron Was a Football Star Before Basketball Took Over
Before becoming a basketball icon, LeBron James was also a promising football player in high school. He played as a wide receiver for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, and many believed he could have made it to the NFL. His incredible athleticism made him nearly unstoppable on the field. Some college football programs even considered recruiting him.
Fun Fact: LeBron once stated that if the NBA hadn’t worked out, he would have pursued an NFL career.
2. He Was Raised by a Single Mother
One of the most powerful elements of LeBron’s story is his humble upbringing. He was raised by his mother, Gloria James, who gave birth to him at the age of 16. They faced homelessness and financial struggles in his early years, often moving from place to place. Despite these hardships, Gloria made sure LeBron stayed away from trouble and focused on sports.
This difficult childhood shaped LeBron into the resilient and focused athlete we admire today.
3. LeBron Has Acted in Movies and TV Shows
One of the top 10 unknown facts about LeBron James is his involvement in Hollywood. Apart from his athletic career, LeBron has acted in movies like “Trainwreck” (2015) and voiced characters in animated shows. He also starred in “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (2021), following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan.
He’s also a producer and owns a production company named SpringHill Entertainment.
4. He Never Attended College
LeBron James jumped straight from high school to the NBA — a rare feat that only a few players have accomplished. He was drafted as the #1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers at the age of 18.
Despite not attending college, LeBron values education highly and has donated millions to support students, including opening his own school.
5. LeBron Opened a Public School for At-Risk Youth
In 2018, LeBron made history by opening the “I PROMISE School” in Akron, Ohio. This public school is designed to serve at-risk students, providing free meals, uniforms, bikes, transportation, and even GED programs for parents.
This initiative showcases LeBron’s dedication to giving back to his community and creating long-term impact through education.
6. He Became a Billionaire While Still Playing
LeBron James officially became a billionaire in 2022, making him the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status. His earnings come not just from basketball, but from endorsements, investments, media ventures, and real estate.
Brands like Nike, PepsiCo, Beats by Dre, and Blaze Pizza (where he’s a stakeholder) have contributed significantly to his empire.
7. LeBron Is a Strategic Businessman
Many know LeBron as an athlete, but few know how business-savvy he is. He owns shares in Liverpool FC, has a production company, and invested early in companies like Beats Electronics and Blaze Pizza.
He also formed a media conglomerate with Maverick Carter, known as The SpringHill Company, which focuses on empowering diverse creators and stories.
8. He’s an Avid Reader
One of the top 10 unknown facts about LeBron James is his passion for reading books, especially during the NBA Playoffs. He’s been spotted reading titles like “The Hunger Games”, “Decoded” by Jay-Z, and even “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.
This habit helps him stay mentally focused and sharp during high-pressure moments.
9. LeBron Spends Over $1.5 Million Annually on His Body
LeBron is known for his incredible longevity in the NBA, and a lot of that is due to the money he invests in body maintenance. He reportedly spends $1.5 million annually on personal trainers, recovery therapies, cryotherapy, massage, chefs, and sleep optimization.
His intense commitment to health has allowed him to stay dominant well into his late 30s.
10. He’s a Serious Gamer
In his free time, LeBron enjoys playing video games with his sons. He’s particularly fond of titles like Madden NFL, NBA 2K, and Call of Duty. He has also appeared in various gaming promos and collaborated with game developers.
This humanizes LeBron for his fans, showing he’s just like any other dad unwinding with his kids.
