LeBron James, now a renowned NBA superstar with the Los Angeles Lakers, had an illustrious career even before joining the NBA. His exceptional talent was evident during his high school years at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. However, it wasn’t just his basketball skills that set him apart; it was also the guidance he received from his former coach, Keith Dambrot, that played a crucial role in his financial success.

In a recent interview on the Hoop Collective Homecoming live show, Coach Dambrot shared a memorable story from James’ high school days. During a game at the University of San Francisco, James was distracted by his ill-fitting shorts, which affected his performance on the court. Dambrot, recognizing the importance of the moment, took James aside to remind him of the stakes.

At the time, Sonny Vaccaro, an influential figure in the basketball world and a key executive at Adidas, was watching James play. Vaccaro had previously signed Michael Jordan to his first sneaker deal, and his presence was a significant opportunity for James. Dambrot emphasized to James the critical nature of making a good impression, warning him that his current distractions could cost him a substantial financial opportunity.

Dambrot recalled the conversation with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst: “I took him out in the hallway and said, ‘LeBron, do you know who that guy is?’ And he says, ‘Yeah.’ I said, ‘Well, you know you’re going to cost yourself millions of dollars if you don’t quit messing around.’”

James heeded the advice and refocused on the game. His impressive performance eventually led to a lucrative deal with Nike. In 2003, James signed a seven-year contract worth approximately $90 million, a deal that marked the beginning of his substantial financial success.

Today, LeBron James’ financial achievements are a testament to the impact of that early advice. According to Forbes, his net worth is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2024. This financial success is not only a result of his on-court prowess but also the foundational guidance he received from Coach Dambrot.

James continues to make headlines, both on and off the court. Recently, he and the Lakers agreed on a contract extension, and fans eagerly anticipate his continued dominance in the NBA. This extension underscores not just his athletic skill but also his enduring impact on the game and the smart financial decisions made early in his career.

In summary, Coach Keith Dambrot’s timely and crucial advice played a significant role in shaping LeBron James’ successful career, helping him avoid potentially costly mistakes and secure his place among the greatest athletes of all time.