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LeBron James’ LLC secures $300 million loan before joining Lakers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 6:49 AM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

LeBron James’ LLC secures $300 million loan before joining Lakers

Summary

Before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, LeBron James obtained a $300 million loan from Mark Walter's Guggenheim Partners. This funding was secured to support a new business venture and was based on James' future earnings. The transactions were approved by the NBA, which stated they are common financial structures for individuals with significant assets. Walter later became the owner of the Lakers in 2025, highlighting the intertwining of their business dealings and basketball careers. Following his departure from the team, Walter sold the Lakers for $12.5 billion amid financial scrutiny.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•LeBron James borrowed $300 million in 2018 from Guggenheim Partners.
•The loan was against his sponsorship and non-NBA earnings.
•The NBA approved the financial structure of the transactions.
•Mark Walter later purchased the Lakers in 2025 for $10 billion.
•Walter sold the Lakers for $12.5 billion amid financial investigations.

Latest Updates

6:49 AMYahoo Sports — LeBron James’ LLC borrowed $300 million from Mark Walter-led Guggenheim before joining LA Lakers

What they're saying

"
Prior to either of their associations with the LA Lakers, Mark Walter’s Guggenheim Partners lent LeBron James $300 million for a new company. In 2018, as James geared up to sign with the Lakers in free agency, part of his decision to move to the City of Angels was because of his desire to pursue outside business ventures.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Lakers NBA Basketball