LeBron James, who towered at 6’8” and 240 pounds as a high school senior, became the “can’t miss” prospect who actually didn’t miss. After three years in the NBA, at age 21, he is a Most Valuable Player candidate. For the 2005-06 season he finished first in the league in minutes played (3361), second in triple-doubles (scoring in double figures in points, assists, and rebounds in the same game), and third in scoring average (31.4 points per game).

LeBron signed nearly $100 million worth of global endorsement deals just out of high school, skipped college, went number one overall in the 2003 NBA draft at age 18, becameof the year at age 19, and made a contender out of the once perennially horrible Cleveland Cavaliers.

His nicknames have evolved from “Bron-Bron” (what his mom Gloria calls him) to King James, to LBJ, the latter of which sponsor Nike has adopted. Thanks to a $90 million deal he signed with the footwear and apparel maker before he even was drafted by an NBA team, his name has graced sneakers and he has starred in amazing and hilarious TV commercials.

James also has advertising deals with Upper Deck sports cards, Bubblicious gum, and Coca-Cola’s Powerade, which in 2004 named a drink flavor, Flava23, after him. Even LeBron’s idol, Michael Jordan, who pitched for Gatorade and also had uniform number 23, didn’t get his own flavor.

What impresses you most about LeBron's natural basketball ability? hi

What do you think are his primary strengths, and weaknesses?

Does it trouble anyone that as an 18-year-old he was already making more money than God?

Add your perspectives in the comments area.