LeBron James has said one of his main goals was to "be the richest man in the world."Forget whimsical notions, as "King James," 23, is already making significant strides to achieve that goal, starting with his many endorsement deals worth an estimated $170 million. Furthermore, James was the No. 1 NBA pitchman in 2007, according to Fortune.
The Cavs star is often mentioned as a possible contender for the kind of profitable merchandising empire his childhood hero, Michael Jordan, built at Nike.
And now he's State Farm's newest pitchman.
Yes, take him to the bank because he's straight money, honey.
While he's busy chasing cash, the King is also introducing richer friends to his court, such as the likes of self-made billionaire investor Warren Buffet.
Here's an excerpt from AOL Sports' Dave Hollander's chat with LeBron about his charity efforts during the All-Star Game, State Farm and his new billionaire BFF:
DH: Your friend Warren Buffet owns GEICO Insurance. How's he gonna feel about you getting' cozy with State Farm?
James: I think he's gonna feel pretty fine. All business is good business. That's one of the keys. Anytime I'm making a change or making a difference, he's fine with it.
DH: You've talked fiscal matters with Buffet. What do you think is the best way to end the nation's housing foreclosure crisis?
James: I'm not sure. You know, that's something I'd definitely have to sit back and do my own research and figure it out that way. At this point I haven't done enough research to even comment on how to change that.
DH: The LeBron James Family Foundations does so much excellent work. Is there a charity you know where Andy Verajao can donate his hair?Read the full interview here.
James: (laughs) I don't think a charity would even want that.
Comments: (26)
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By: laiconna on 2/17/2008 8:40PM
I have the utmost respect for LeBron James. This young man is class all the way. When I think of the antics of the other stars a few years back, I remember the shame I felf because of them. At last there is a man who is respectful, a team player and all that goes with being a class act. Oh, and I might add, he well spoken. He's able to express himself using the English language, not Ebonics. My hat is off to LeBron.
http://www.magnumshops.org
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By: KENDRA on 2/18/2008 10:53AM
I use to feel the same way...thats until I went up to him..myself and my 13 year old daughter to say congrads on winning the eastern conf.... and he dissed us so bad that when my daughter got back to our car she had tears in her eyes asking ...mom why would he treat a fan like this....So not that it matters to Big Money Grip Lebron...I haven't watched a Cav's game since..I use to pray and ask God to keep him humble...but now I pray and ask God to make him humble and not just in front of the cameras....So until the Lord teach my heart about this I have very little respect for Lebron and anything that he does...cause all I know is his action that day (at Swenson's in Akron, Ohio) hurt my daughters feelings to tears...
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By: Anita on 2/18/2008 1:34PM
From what I have seen and heard of him, I like him. The only thing I have against him is that he marry, the girl who is dropping his babies. In reference to Kendra's comment about him dissing you and your daughter, I don't know the entire story but I will say this. Athletes although they are paid enormous salaries are human too. He may have just gotten some disappointing news, anything may have happened and you were the recipent of what happened. The person before you may have disrespected him and you got the end of what happened. Prime example for me, if I am driving and I let a car in and they don't say thanks by waving their hand, the next car doesn't get let in, they dont know why I am being rude but the end result was because of the first person. So all this too say, let's just hope he was having a bad day and sorry that it was you but you got whiff of it.
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By: Miss C on 2/18/2008 2:37PM
King James - I'm so glad God stopped by your house that one appointed day and picked you up and sent you on your way....HOW AWESOME IS GOD?
God bless you & your sweet family too!
Congrats on the '08 MVP Award
Candi Cane Brown Bates
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By: THE THINKER on 2/18/2008 3:13PM
What does it profit a man; to gain the whole world and lose his soul !!!
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By: hiley2008 on 2/19/2008 4:58AM
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By: tammie on 2/19/2008 10:24AM
Lebron James your the greatest, keep up the excellent work.
god bless and keep your head up!
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By: Karen on 2/19/2008 10:54AM
Kendra I feel you on your comments above, people that has not experienced the rude behavior of some of these celebrites can't relate until it happens to them personally, until then they think your hatin'.I feel that if we take our time to buy their music, or which ever way we support them, they in turn should have the common sense to understand that their fans need support to.Besides it takes nothing from their day or pocket to be polite when approached by a fan espiecially a child.
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By: Chester on 2/19/2008 11:07AM
Lebron needs to marry that gurl and make them babies legal. These so called stars take the cake with all their commercials giving us advice and their personal lifes are tore up from dat floor up.
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By: mike Hunt on 2/19/2008 7:15PM
IT WONT MATTER,HE WILL END UP DEAD OR IN PRISON, LIKE LIKE ALL THE NBA THUGS !
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