With his 22nd season behind him, LeBron James, one of the best, if not the best, basketball players in the history of the sport, continues to dominate and set records. It is unreal to think that he arrived in the league in 2003 and has dominated the defenses from his very first game. Just imagine the world 22 years ago, how many things have come and gone, and how it has all changed. And yet, one constant remains to remind us, one player still giving it his all with no plans to stop. And with Luka Doncic and his son Bronny with the Lakers, he is ready for the 2025/2026 season and year 23.  

Apart from the obvious contributions in basketball and sports in general, James has influenced many other industries. From entertainment to business, he has been and continues to be everywhere. But one thing usually flies under the radar, and that is his fashion sense and evolution. From an 18-year-old teenager to a 40-year-old established adult with his own family, his clothes, fashion style, and inspiration have changed a plethora of times. And how wouldn’t it after more than 22 years in the league? 

For those among you who know everything about the player and the man, how about a deep dive into the fashion evolution of LeBron James? In this overview, we review some of his most iconic looks over the year and attempt to unlock the inspiration behind them, as well as how and when he switched it up. From pregame arrivals to postgame interviews to appearances at shows and events, we cover it all. And for those looking to remain involved with the season until its end, the Conference Finals are here, and Stake has the best odds and predictions as always. 

NBA Fashion Over the Years 

Before we look at LeBron, we need to establish what he had to work with. The fashion of the NBA and its players has significantly transformed over the last 20 years. Even before that, it started evolving from oversized streetwear and baggy suits to highly curated, designer-heavy fits that blend personal expression with high fashion that dictates what is popular outside of the game of basketball. To break down how it has changed over the past two decades, we need to take a decade-by-decade look at different eras. Naturally, LeBron was a part of it all from the start of his career in the early 2000s until now. 

The Early 2000s were marked by baggy and streetwear-dominant options. Hip-hop culture had a heavy influence on NBA fashion, and players dressed more like rappers than corporate athletes. The biggest style icon at the time was Allen Iverson, who, to this day, represents that look. But the youngsters like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony also popularized the oversized fits, including jerseys, baggy jeans and shorts, and throwback hats. If they were to wear suits, it would be baggy as well, somewhat ill-fitting by modern standards. And of course, casual accessories involved chains, headbands, and cornrows as key cultural markers.

Then, in 2005, the league introduced a strict dress code to combat the overly casual fashion choices that, in their eyes, got out of hand. Commissioner David Stern implemented a strict NBA dress code requiring “business casual” attire for all league events. This move banned items like jerseys, do-rags, chains, and baggy clothes when the players would appear outside of the games and during interviews. They started shifting toward more tailored suits and business wear. Some players saw the dress code as racially coded, while others adapted and began to take fashion more seriously.

The 2010s saw a rise of the fashion-forward athlete with style icons Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Chris Paul paving the way. The go-tos were slim-fit tailored suits, patterned shirts, and bow ties, often by luxury brands like Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Gucci. Glasses, almost exclusively non-prescription, became a quirky fashion statement that everyone incorporated. What is more, most players began to view fashion as part of their brand and marketability, and the pregame tunnel walks became a de facto fashion runway. “That’s how you come to work”, as Charles Barkley would say. 

Between the late 2010s and the early 2020s, high fashion and individual expression took off with players like Russell Westbrook, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Their styles were over the top and often utilized unorthodox looks straight from fashion shoes. You know, those clothes that do not look or feel like clothes. High fashion met streetwear, too, with Off-White, Rick Owens, Fear of God, and Prada making the suddenly popular gender-fluid fashion. Players would go with crop tops, skirts, oversized outerwear, and bold accessories.

Custom pieces, designer collaborations, and personal stylists were dictated by and began to dictate social media trends. Instagram and TikTok made fashion a daily highlight reel for players, and fans were hooked. Outfits are now photographed and analyzed like red carpet appearances. Now, in the middle of the 2020s, sustainability and cultural fusion dominate the fashion sense. Vintage pieces are gaining popularity while techwear, utility fashion, and cross-cultural aesthetics, especially Japanese and African influences, are very noticeable. More and more players launch their clothing lines, like Russell Westbrook’s Honor the Gift, and from minimalist to maximalist, every player’s style tells a different story. No longer is there a single trend that dominates like back in the day. 

LeBron’s Most Iconic Fashion Pieces and Outfits 

As with every NBA player ever, the first fit has to be the NBA Draft suit. At the 2003 Draft night, LeBron went with an oversized, all-white suit with a matching white button-up. It oozes 2000s fashion and is one of his most recognizable early looks. The voluminous silhouette and monochromatic palette made it memorable.

The shorts suit at the 2018 NBA Finals Game 1 press conference was an instant classic. It was a Thom Browne ensemble, a custom fit made up of tailored gray shorts and a blazer that he paired with high socks. Complete with black ankle boots and a gray leather bag, it was fashion personified.

The 2024 Paris Olympics were the ideal chance for every fashion-sensitive athlete to show what they had, and LeBron was no different. His Flagbearer ensemble during team presentations at the Senne was a custom white Ralph Lauren USA Olympics blazer covered by a clear plastic poncho to protect it from the overcast, rainy day. The suit underneath combined elegance, practicality, and style while keeping the sports note. The only thing that could have made it better was a gold medal around his neck, which he eventually got. 

For the 2023 NBA Opener, LeBron wore a Louis Vuitton Damoflage ensemble. He paired the jacket with the Super Vision sunglasses and colorful green Speedy Bandouliere 40 bag from the Men’s Spring-Summer 2024 collection by Pharrell Williams. He also carried a smaller Vuitton bag in his hand. Wondering what he may wear for the 2025 opener? Aren’t we all, but we will have to wait a bit more for the new season of LeBron. Until then, NBA betting is here with the Conference Finals.  

James is famous for his birthday parties, which are some of the biggest events in Hollywood. In 2024, it was a retro ‘70s party, and the birthday boy wore a retro paisley-patterned silk shirt and flared trousers. Going full disco, he had tinted shades. It was more than a costume, it was an homage to the iconic music and fashion era that is so beloved.

Speaking of accessories, the King has an insane watch collection full of Rolexes, APs, Pateks, and Richard Mille pieces. He wore the Tiffany blue Patek Philippe Nautilus with an outfit that featured the Tiffany & Co. Nike dunks and a varsity jacket. He also has an ambassadorship with Audemars Piguet as the brand allowed him his exclusive model, the Royal Oak Offshore Lebron James Edition. Made in 2015, it is currently selling for over $100,000 on the secondary market. 

LeBron’s Clothing and Fashion Deals

LeBron James has been a dominant force not only on the basketball court but also in the world of fashion and endorsements. From his early days in high school to his long-standing NBA career, LeBron has built a significant portfolio of clothing deals and sponsorships that reflect both his athletic prowess and cultural influence. To this day, he remains essential in the worlds of both sports and high fashion as a cultural symbol and icon. 

LeBron’s journey into fashion and endorsement deals began before he even entered the NBA. As a high school phenom at St. Vincent St. Mary in Akron, Ohio, he was already attracting national media attention. His elite play and charisma drew major brands, and in 2003, just before the NBA Draft, he signed a groundbreaking $90 million deal with Nike. At the time, it was the largest rookie shoe deal in history. This partnership would become the cornerstone of his fashion and endorsement empire, as he is still with the brand 22 years later.

Since then, LeBron’s relationship with Nike has evolved into one of the most successful athlete-brand collaborations ever. He has released more than 20 signature shoes, each widely popular among athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike. In 2015, Nike solidified their bond by awarding him a rare lifetime contract, reportedly worth over $1 billion. Naturally, it was the first of its kind for the brand and something that many great players now dream of achieving. 

Outside of athletic footwear, LeBron has extended his fashion influence through other ventures. He co-founded the lifestyle brand UNINTERRUPTED and partnered with Nike to release apparel under that label. His involvement in fashion is not limited to sportswear, either. He has appeared at high-profile fashion events, worked with designers, and been featured in Vogue and GQ, and is praised for his style and grooming. Outside of clothes but still important to fashion, in addition to Nike, LeBron has held endorsements with Beats by Dre, where he reportedly received a profit-sharing deal. He also worked with brands like Ralph Lauren, Audemars Piguet, and even Tom Ford, further showcasing his crossover appeal into luxury fashion and lifestyle.

LeBron’s fashion sense has also made waves in the NBA itself. He popularized the tailored suit look for pre-game arrivals and often uses his wardrobe to make statements, both stylistic and political. His short suit is one of his most iconic, proving he can pull off just about anything tailored. Over the years, he has become a trendsetter and a symbol of how athletes can leverage their platform into meaningful, lucrative fashion and cultural influence. Overall, he redefined athlete branding by blending sport, business, and style in a way few have achieved. And moving on, he will continue to do so. As a fan, tune in next season to watch the Lakers as it will be quite interesting for sports betting enthusiasts. 

LeBron James FAQs

When did LeBron James start his NBA career?

LeBron James was drafted as the number 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers at the 2003 NBA Draft. He made his debut on October 29, 2003, scoring 25 points in his first game, an NBA record for a high school draftee at the time.

How many NBA championships has LeBron James won?

As of 2025, LeBron James has won four NBA championships: 2012 and 2013 with the Miami Heat, 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Has LeBron James broken any major NBA records?

Yes. In February 2023, LeBron James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record. He is also the only player in NBA history to record 40,000+ points, 10,000+ rebounds, and 10,000+ assists.

Has LeBron ever played in the Olympics?

Yes. LeBron James has represented the USA in four Olympic Games, winning Bronze in 2004 (Athens), Gold in 2008 (Beijing), Gold in 2012 (London), and Gold in 2024 (Paris).

What are LeBron James’ biggest endorsement deals?

LeBron has long-term deals with several major brands, including Nike (lifetime deal reportedly worth over $1 billion), Coca-Cola (formerly), PepsiCo, Beats by Dre, Blaze Pizza (investor and franchisee), AT&T, GMC, and Walmart.

Does LeBron James own any businesses?

Yes. LeBron is a savvy entrepreneur. He co-founded SpringHill Company, a media and entertainment company, and Uninterrupted, an athlete empowerment brand. He is also a part-owner of Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox through Fenway Sports Group.

How much is LeBron James worth?

As of 2025, LeBron James has an estimated net worth exceeding $1 billion, making him one of the few active athletes to reach billionaire status.

Who is LeBron James married to?

LeBron James is married to Savannah Brinson, his high school sweetheart. The couple got married in 2013 and have three children together: sons Bronny and Bryce, and daughter Zhuri.

Is LeBron James involved in philanthropy?

Absolutely. LeBron is deeply involved in charitable work, most notably through the LeBron James Family Foundation, which launched the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio. It provided free education, meals, and support to underprivileged children.

What are LeBron James’ kids doing?

LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny James, is a basketball player and LeBron’s teammate with the Los Angeles Lakers. His younger son, Bryce, is also rising in the basketball ranks and is a college freshman. Daughter Zhuri is a young social media personality with her own YouTube channel, All Things Zhuri.