THE Los Angeles Lakers’ valuation has more than quadrupled since LeBron James joined the franchise in 2018, highlighting the team’s dramatic rise in financial worth during his tenure.
According to a graphic posted by Bleacher Report, the Lakers were valued at around $3 billion when James signed with the team in 2018.
By the time James departed the franchise in 2026, the Lakers’ reported valuation had climbed to $12.5 billion.
The increase represents a gain of approximately $9.5 billion, or more than four times the franchise’s reported value when James arrived.
James joined the Lakers in 2018 after leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers and spent the next eight seasons with the storied franchise.
During his tenure, he helped lead Los Angeles to the 2020 NBA championship, giving the Lakers their 17th league title.
The significant increase in the franchise’s valuation underscores the business impact of one of basketball’s biggest stars, although factors beyond James’ arrival—including the Lakers’ brand strength, league-wide growth and the broader sports business market—also contributed to the rise. (Adrian Co)
