LeBron James has already conquered the basketball court, built a billion-dollar brand, and produced award-winning documentaries. Now, as he looks beyond his NBA career, The King is setting his sights on a different stage — Hollywood.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, James opened up about life after basketball, and yes, acting is officially on the table.
“If the role is appropriate and I feel like I can nail it, then I wouldn’t mind doing that at all,” he said. “I feel like I could turn and be someone else that’s not LeBron James.”
This isn’t just talk either. James’ already dipped a toe in the acting world, and not just with him acting as himself in Space Jam: A New Legacy and House Party.
Fans will remember his hilariously dry, scene-stealing performance in Judd Apatow’s Trainwreck back in 2015, where he played a fictionalized (but weirdly frugal) version of himself. “It was a version of me, my typical self,” he said of the role, “just playing Bill Hader’s best friend during that movie.”
But this time, he’s thinking bigger than cameos.
With SpringHill, the media company he co-founded with Maverick Carter, James has already made a major impact behind the camera, producing projects like Hustle with Adam Sandler, HBO’s The Shop, and the powerful Shut Up and Dribble docuseries. What’s next? Storytelling, storytelling, and more storytelling.
“I’ve known I’ve always wanted to do that since I was younger,” he said. “And I will continue to do that beyond my playing days. It’s not a five-year thing, it’s not a two-year thing — let’s just continue doing what we’re doing.”
It’s clear that for James, acting isn’t about chasing clout or awards. It’s about the same thing that’s driven his entire career: connecting with people.
“Storytelling really brings people together,” he shared. “People can actually be in their households and watch certain documentaries or watch certain movies or listen to podcasts — it brings people together.”
Whether it’s in a drama, comedy, or something totally unexpected, don’t be surprised if James pops up on screen in a post-NBA role, not as himself, but as a fully fleshed-out character. He’s open, curious, and ready to learn.
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