18 YO LeBron James Turned Down $10 Million Despite Living With Single Mom- Here’s Why

LeBron James will go down in the history books as one of the greatest ever players to step on an NBA court. Over his illustrious 21-season NBA career, James has won four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards, and countless All-Star and All-NBA accolades. It’s safe to suggest that he is the greatest basketball superstar since Michael Jordan in the 1990s.

However, back in 2003, things were very different for LeBron James. During his childhood, LBJ was forced to shift apartments with his mother, Gloria Marie James, who gave birth to him at the age of 16. His father was not part of his life, nor did he support his family financially. It would be an understatement to suggest that LeBron had a rough upbringing. But what LeBron had in his favor was his exceptional basketball abilities. Even before graduating from high school, Sports Illustrated magazine put LeBron on the cover of their magazine with the headline: “The Chosen One.”

It was only a matter of time before sportswear giants such as Adidas, Nike, and Reebok came calling. Reebok made the first move as they offered LeBron James approximately $10 million. However, James rejected them and chose to partner with Nike instead. Notably, Steve Stoute, who pitched Reebok to LBJ, had witnessed him turn down the offer. Recently, Stoute has come forward and revealed everything that happened during the deal and what was James’ situation at the time.

Stoute gave the inspiring account on the Club Shay Shay podcast which tweeted the video clip on X. He said, “He leaves the check and says that he’s going to take the other meetings. I clapped. I knew the world changed. A young Black man, 18 years old walked away from $10 million going back to the projects. I clapped and it was my idea that didn’t work.”

LeBron James declined Reebok’s reported offer of around $115 million and instead opted to sign a seven-year contract worth $87 million with Nike. He made such a choice despite staying with his single mother in a humble apartment. The rest, as they say, is history.

Read More: Billionaire LeBron James’ Loyalty to Lakers Could Garner Another $164 Million in Earnings

LeBron James and his long-standing relationship with Nike

“I’m a Nike guy,” this is what a teenage LeBron James said during a press conference. King James hasn’t changed his loyalty to Nike throughout his career, and this year will mark his 21st year as a Nike-sponsored athlete. In 2015, LeBron James became the second athlete, following Michael Jordan, to secure a lifetime deal with Nike, valued at $1 billion.

Since then, Nike has extended lifetime contracts to only two other athletes: Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin Durant. LeBron’s longstanding relationship with Nike has led to the creation of a distinct line of basketball shoes and athletic apparel bearing his name under the Nike brand. What are your thoughts on LeBron’s relationship with Nike? Let us know in the comments below!

ALSO READ – Billionaire LeBron James’ Loyalty to Lakers Could Garner Another $164 Million in Earnings