Anthony McClelland

Anthony McClelland is a man who has been surrounded by rumors of being the father of the famous NBA superstar, LeBron James. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and James himself has never publicly acknowledged McClelland as his father. 

McClelland was born in Ohio, where he grew up and spent most of his life. He was a high school basketball player, and he continued to play basketball in college. However, he did not pursue a career in basketball beyond college. 

Relationship between Anthony and LeBron 

James has never mentioned or implied that McClelland is his father, and McClelland himself has not asserted that he is James’ father.

After his college basketball career, McClelland faced challenges with substance abuse and was incarcerated for drug-related crimes. Additionally, he had several encounters with law enforcement for various offenses such as theft and assault.

Anthony McClelland

SOURCE: sideline sources

Even though McClelland has had a troubled history, he has consistently maintained that he has no desire to establish a relationship with LeBron James. In a 2006 interview, he explicitly stated that he did not intend to be involved in LeBron’s life and that he was content with his current situation.

McClelland has further conveyed his displeasure with the media’s focus on the rumors surrounding his potential connection to James. He has made it clear that he wishes to be left alone and that he does not want to be associated with James or his celebrity status.

Theories: Is McClelland Really the Biological Father of LeBron James? 

Although there is no conclusive evidence to substantiate the notion that McClelland is LeBron James’ biological father, there are several factors that have fueled these speculations. One of these factors is the physical similarity between the two individuals, which has been remarked upon by many.

Furthermore, McClelland has resided in the same locality as James for a significant portion of his life. This has led some individuals to conjecture that James’ mother, Gloria, may have had a romantic relationship with McClelland at some point in the past.

The side-by-side resemblance between LeBron and Anthony 

SOURCE:  Twitter

Despite persistent speculations, LeBron James has consistently affirmed that McClelland is not his biological father. During a 2009 interview with ESPN, James expressed his contentment with not knowing his father’s identity and stated that he had no clue who his father was.

McClelland himself has also publicly refuted the rumors and made it clear that he is not James’ father. In a 2011 interview, he voiced his frustration with people frequently approaching him and asserting that he is LeBron’s father. He stated that he was “weary” of these rumors and reiterated that he has no interest in being involved in James’ life.

Net Worth, Career Earnings, Salary, and Contracts 

There is scarce information available on Anthony’s profession and earnings. However, his speculated son, LeBron James, has amassed a substantial net worth of $1 billion. Most of his wealth has been generated through brand endorsements and business ventures, with NBA contracts contributing a significant amount.

James’ first contract was with the Cleveland Cavaliers and spanned four years, with a value of $19 million. He later signed a six-year deal with the Cavaliers worth $110 million. Following this, he signed a six-year contract with the Miami Heat also worth $110 million. Upon his return to the Cavaliers in 2014, he signed a two-year contract worth $42 million. In 2018, he signed a four-year deal with the Lakers worth $153 million

LeBron James in an action against the Dallas Mavericks for a rebound in the first half at American Airlines Center in Dallas. 

SOURCE: Pinterest

LeBron James has consistently been among the top-paid players in the NBA. For the 2022-2023 season, his salary is $41.2 million, making him the highest-paid player in the league.

In 2020, James signed a two-year extension to his contract with the Lakers, with a total value of $85 million. His total career earnings from contracts now stand at $520 million.

Over time, James’ net worth has grown substantially. In 2010, his net worth was estimated to be $48 million. As of 2022, it had climbed to $930 million. James continued to accumulate wealth until he finally made the billionaire athletes list in June 2022.

Also Read about LeBron James: Net Worth, Professional Career, Personal Life, Early Life

Brand Endorsements, Investments, and Real Estate 

Forbes reports that James’ net worth has now exceeded $1 billion, which puts him among the wealthiest athletes ever.

Brand Endorsements

One of the main sources of James’ wealth is his endorsement deals. He has collaborated with many major companies, including some of the largest corporations in the world. Nike has been one of James’ most significant partners for more than 18 years, and the lifetime deal he has with the company is rumored to be worth over $1 billion.

LeBron James holds his new Nike shoe with Nike President

SOURCE: Pinterest

In addition to Nike, James has endorsement deals with other well-known companies such as Coca-Cola, Kia, Beats by Dre, and Blaze Pizza. It is estimated that his annual earnings from these deals amount to approximately $100 million.

Investments in Companies

James is also a savvy investor and has invested in several businesses over the years. His investment in Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual pizza chain, has been particularly successful. He became a franchisee of the company in 2012, and since then, it has become one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in history.

LeBron wearing his golden edition Beats by Dre headphone 

SOURCE: GQ

Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual pizza chain, has grown significantly since James became a franchisee in 2012. His initial investment is now estimated to be worth around $50 million. James also invested in Beats by Dre, which was acquired by Apple for $3 billion. Additionally, he has invested in other startups, such as Uninterrupted and Ladder.

Real Estate

One of James’ properties is a mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, which he bought in 2017 for $23 million. The mansion boasts features such as a home theater, wine cellar, gym, and spa.

Another property he owns is a waterfront mansion in Miami, which he purchased in 2010 for $13.95 million. The mansion has eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a home theater, a gym, a sauna, and a wine cellar in the main house. Additionally, there is a two-bedroom guest house, a pool, and a tennis court.

Lebron’s $36 million Beverly Hills Mansion

SOURCE: BackGrid

James also possesses an estate in Beverly Hills, California, which he acquired for $36.75 million. This property was formerly owned by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, a soap opera producer. The estate contains a principal residence with eight bedrooms, a guest house, a swimming pool, and a tennis court.

Production Company

In 2013, James founded SpringHill Entertainment, a production company that has been behind a number of successful films and TV shows. One of the most popular series produced by the company is “Survivor’s Remorse,” while the movie “Space Jam: A New Legacy” was also highly praised by critics. The production company is now worth over $100 million.

Vehicles

James possesses an assortment of high-end cars worth millions of dollars. His car collection comprises automobiles such as a Ferrari 458 Spider, a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and a Maybach 57S.

LeBron James poses with a brand new Kia K900 luxury sedan, 2014

SOURCE: Kia

He is also the spokesperson of the Kia K900 luxury sedan after he signed a deal with Kia in 2014. His car collection is estimated to be worth around $20 million.

Tumultuous Relationship between McClelland and Gloria: LeBron’s Hard Childhood

The relationship between Anthony McClelland and Gloria James, the mother of LeBron James, has attracted significant attention over time.

McClelland was Gloria’s boyfriend for an extended period, and their relationship was marked by turmoil and volatility, including frequent arguments and incidents of domestic violence. Additionally, despite knowing that Gloria was pregnant, McClelland left before LeBron was born

Lebron James and his mother Gloria arrive on the red carpet for the Destination Finals Playoff Viewing Party at the NBA Store in New York, 2004 

SOURCE: Twitter@NBA

Gloria faced challenges as a single parent raising James and shared in an interview that they had to frequently relocate as she lacked a stable job. Nonetheless, despite the challenges of being a single parent, Gloria played a significant role in shaping LeBron into the person he is today.