LeBron James stands as one of America’s most successful athletes in turning potential into reality.
The basketball world has watched him since he was 14, carrying massive expectations that he’s consistently met through record-breaking performances and achievements.
In a candid moment, James recently revealed how he broke down in tears after walking away from a game-changing Reebok offer before stepping into the NBA.
During his appearance on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, his fellow Northeast Ohio natives, LeBron opened up about his journey to becoming a Nike athlete, a partnership that wasn’t as straightforward as many might think.
Back then, the young phenom found himself at the center of attention from major sports brands. Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and And1 all pursued his signature, with Reebok making a particularly memorable impression.
LeBron shared how a meeting with Reebok’s CEO and basketball executives nearly swayed his decision.
“The guy slides over a check to me at the end of the table, it’s me and my mom and Maverick Carter, and he says, ‘If you don’t go talk to any other companies, this is yours. And I looked at it,” LeBron recalled, pausing briefly. “Ten million dollars.”
Lebron really TURNED DOWN $10M from Reebok as a senior in high school 🤯 @turbotax pic.twitter.com/RbVYzXofFU
— New Heights (@newheightshow) January 15, 2025
The revelation drew similar reactions from James and the Kelce brothers as they connected over their first contract experiences as athletes.
The context makes LeBron’s decision even more remarkable. As a high school senior living in Section 8 housing with his mother in Akron, turning down $10 million took incredible fortitude.
After the pitch meeting, LeBron felt uncertain, but his mother offered wisdom that would prove invaluable.
She reminded him that Reebok’s substantial offer might indicate even bigger opportunities from other companies.
Despite the financial temptation and Reebok’s strategic presentation – LeBron chose to walk away.
The weight of that decision hit him on the drive home, bringing him to tears as he processed the magnitude of the money he’d just declined.
Yet that gut decision would ultimately pave the way for his future success, proving sometimes the hardest choices yield the greatest rewards.
