“LeBron James Is a Genius As a Businessman”: Steve Harvey Praised LeBron James’ Business Acumen in 2018 Following Lakers Move

LeBron James does get his flowers quite regularly for being one of the best players in league history. But people often tend to forget just how good James is as a businessman and an entrepreneur. Therefore, Steve Harvey decided to highlight the four-time NBA Champion’s business acumen during a 2018 appearance on First Take.

Harvey was upset by LeBron leaving Cleveland once again to go to the Lakers. But he also claimed that the four-time NBA MVP had made an intelligent business decision by agreeing to play in a market like Los Angeles.

Raised in Ohio, Steve Harvey is one of the biggest Cleveland Cavaliers fans out there. Therefore, he was clearly upset by the move from King James. But he understood the logistics behind it. Harvey pointed out that LeBron had to move to a big market like LA to find a good running mate to tackle the three-headed monster that the Golden State Warriors had become.

Moreover, LA makes sense from a business perspective as well. After briefly acknowledging the philanthropic ventures of the King, Harvey told Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman:

“His [LeBron’s] community service, impeccable, what he does for so many young people. I understand him coming to LA… he’s a smart guy. LeBron is a genius as a businessman and if you don’t think our friend Magic Johnson, who is another incredible businessman, said to him, ‘Come out here and play with us. You will be sitting next to me.’”

“And Magic making more money than all of us in business. If you don’t think that persuaded him to come to LA, against my better wishes,”  the comedian added.

Whether Magic Johnson played a direct role in LeBron’s move to LA is uncertain. But there’s no denying that the move to the City of Angels from Cleveland was a smooth business move by LBJ.