LeBron James turns $1m business investment into $35m as popularity of casual pizza chain soars

LEBRON James has turned a $1 million business investment into $35 million.

The 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star has profited as a casual pizza chain soars in popularity.

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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James invested in Blaze Pizza in 2012Credit: Reuters

James’ $1 million investment has grown into a $35 million valuationCredit: Reuters

James placed an investment into Blaze Pizza in 2012.

At this time the chain had fewer than ten locations.

This decision saw James leave a deal with McDonald’s that would have paid around $15 million.

James’ investment helped to grow the business significantly.

According to Day Trading, his stake grew to between $35 and $40 million in 2017.

Blaze then became one of the fastest-expanding restaurants in the United States.

His stake is understood to be continuing to grow as the pizza chain establishes itself nationwide.

Questions are circulating around James’ future in the NBA after an injury-plagued start to the 2025-26 season.

Several fans have called for James to walk away from the NBA after failing to score double digits for the first time in 1,298 games.

But the legendary forward is not ready to make a retirement decision just yet.

However, James has admitted that he will not play at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

He is among a growing wave of professional athletes looking to expand their investment portfolio.

Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes, 30, and Travis Kelce, 36, have teamed up for their restaurant venture.

They have launched the 1587 Prime Steakhouse in Kansas City together.

International popstar Taylor Swift, 35, was spotted at the restaurant after watching fiancé Kelce play for the Chiefs in November.

James is also preparing for his retirement by building two $37 million mansions in Los Angeles.

However, he remains committed to the Lakers as they lead the NBA’s Pacific Division with 17 wins from 24 games this season.

The Lakers will return to action against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at the Mortgage Matchup Center.