In the recently published biography of James, LeBron, Inc. By making timely investments and leveraging his influence, James, 34, has become one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. As the most hyped young basketball player in decades, James was drafted first overall In the NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers straight from high school. Shoe companies were eager to ink James ma,e one of the biggest endorsement contracts. Hzs illustrate just how famous James was as a teen, celebrities attended his Catholic high school gamesand he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated at years-old. After a long period of pitch meetings and private jet rides jame him and his friends, James chose to accept the lower offer from Nike. Brian Windhorst wrote that James sided with who he thought would be a better long-term partner in Nike over a higher initial offer from Reebok. And James clearly made the right decision. Basketblalmusic mogul Jimmy Iovine and his friend Andre Young, more commonly known how ...