LeBron James discussed how his poor childhood impacts his financial and business mindset. During a genuine conversation on his wife Savannah James’s podcast, he shared that the struggles he faced in Akron, Ohio, caused him to be cautious about making significant financial moves. This insight was shared in the latest episode of Everybody’s Crazy, which debuted on October 14, 2025, with LeBron as a guest alongside hosts Savannah James and April McDaniel.
LeBron James admits he is a five out of ten when it comes to taking business risks
LeBron started the business chat by assessing his own risk tolerance. He spoke directly to Savannah and April on Everybody’s Crazy, saying, “I would say as far as business, I’m kind of like a 5 out of 10.” He elaborated that while he’s open to some gambles, his mindset keeps him grounded.
“I will take a couple risks on the business side knowing that I can hustle it back or do something else, but also my other side is telling me I’m a first-generation money-maker in my household, as far as my family, and I’ll always be thinking about where I come from,” LeBron told the hosts.
This self-assessment emphasizes LeBron’s dual identity as an entrepreneur. He has established a wide-ranging empire beyond the basketball court, which includes endorsements such as Nike shoes and production companies that have produced films like Space Jam in partnership with NBCUniversal.
Still, he gives credit to a small circle—Maverick Carter as his business partner and Rich Paul as his agent—for helping him navigate key decisions. These relationships empower LeBron to explore ideas without having to take the plunge alone.
LeBron James recalls chaotic childhood with Gloria James and how it affects his money mindset
LeBron said that his upbringing is what he pinned his caution on, “Coming from the projects in Akron, Ohio and not having s***, it’s hard for me to take risks, because if that s*** happened, or the whole can come off and it’s over with, bruh, I’m going to be devastated,” he shared on the podcast, addressing Savannah and April.
Growing up in a hectic home with just his single mom, Gloria James, and no siblings, LeBron painted a clear picture of his childhood, “It was my mom and my uncles, and then just friends and girls and guys just coming in, you know? Shit that’s what I grew up on.”
He still holds onto this scarcity mindset, even though he’s super successful. LeBron’s net worth is roughly $1.2 billion, which comes from $581.3 million in NBA pay and various off-court contracts. If you adjust for inflation, his career earnings exceed $1.88 billion, making him the fourth highest-earning athlete ever, just behind Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Still, he rejects any “start over” fantasy. He said, “I swear to God, I’m really like that, because I can’t start over. There’s no way. None of us sitting here can start over. I’m not Monopoly-ing this. I’m not starting back at, ‘Pass go and you collect $200 to start back at go,’ No, too far gone at this point,” LeBron emphasized to the group.
He’s careful even with people he trusts. Back in the early days of his career, LeBron gave a heads-up to his financial advisor, “My financial advisor, the first thing I told him when he wanted to manage my money was if you steal my money, bro, or if I’m broke, bro, I’m letting you know, bro, it ain’t going to be good for you.”
LeBron is starting his 23rd NBA season with the Lakers. He was briefly held back by sciatica, but he’s all set to play with Bronny, while Bryce is heading to the University of Arizona. Their marriage and business are thriving because of this careful approach.
