LeBron James , one of the most iconic figures in the world of sports, has built an unparalleled legacy both on and off the court. That said, the 39-year-old was a controversial pick to be Team USA's male flagbearer for the opening ceremony at the Paris 2024 Olympics . The NBA megastar might be one of the biggest names in American culture, but many felt giving him such a starring role was a slap in the face to the athletes whose careers are centred around the Games.
Nevertheless, James was given the nod after receiving the most votes, cast by nearly 600 members of Team USA. Basketball team-mate Steph Curry , who nominated him for the honour, said the four-time NBA champion's "entire career on and off the court" makes him more than worthy of the prestigious role. He has a point.
James is one of the most successful athletes in US history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever pick up a basketball. As such, he has an absolute gargantuan personal wealth, one that would make even Cristiano Ronaldo wince..
. According to Forbes , James' net worth stands at a whopping $1.2billion (£930million), making him the first and so far only billionaire basketball player.
Much of that money was made via success on the court, with James enjoying an illustrious 21-year career in the NBA, reportedly raking in $450m (£350m) from his various contracts. He started out at the Cleveland Cavaliers after being selected as the first pick in the 2003 draft and was named Rookie of the Year i.