How LeBron James Spent his First Endorsement Cheque from Nike in 2003

In 2003, a teenager from Akron, Ohio was selected with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. For an 18-year old, LeBron James already had a considerable amount of fame, and there was a buzz around him.

The fame meant that he would not have to go searching for an endorsement deal. His shoe deal with Nike back in 2003 is still the highest ever for a rookie. But unlike a few others, it wasn’t just about spending money on lavishes for LeBron.

Talking to ESPN, James’ former PR manager Chris Denis told how James used his first paycheck.

“In 2003, LeBron received his first endorsement check, which actually came FedEx to my house from Nike.” Denis said. “After I hand-delivered it (the endorsement check) to him, LeBron took that multimillion-dollar Nike check, deposited it and came out with maybe $2,000 in cash. He never spent or indulged in a frivolous manner when the money came.”

One thing he did was taking a close friend to an amusement park.

“The following day, Nike dropped so much product on him and his close friends it was like Christmas in West Akron,” Denis recalled.

James also used the money on three people whose roles then were then undefined, but would later be an influential presence behind the successful career of LeBron James. Randy Mims- his chief of staff, Rich Paul- his agent, and Maverick Carter- the man behind making LeBron a brand.

LeBron James- one of the richest

Over the years, LeBron has amassed a vast amount of wealth being one of the most popular athletes in the World. He has always spent it wisely, and is also known to have been involved in numerous charity events. Forbes has estimated his net worth as $450 million, and he is among the richest paid athletes in the world.

“LeBron has always been about business, a true visionary beyond his years,” Dennis said as LeBron James turned 35.