LeBron James’ secret to his off-court success is his inner circle

Athleticism mixed with unrivaled basketball IQ. A lethal deep-three-point shot combined with his power driving to the rim. Intangible leadership qualities along with deference to other players when needed.

LeBron James’ basketball career surpassing the loftiest expectations for an 18-year-old athlete ever is an absolute tour de force. But even more impressive than LeBron’s consistency on the basketball court, is his efforts off of it.

LeBron James started the I Promise school for at-risk youth in his hometown of Akron, OH. He created More Than a Vote, an initiative aimed to inspire African-Americans to cast a vote come November and dismantle voter suppression. His business acumen is off the charts, and his charitable efforts are immensely impressive.

But what allowed LeBron to be so successful off the court? As talented as a superstar athlete can be, that does not ensure them success out of their profession. LeBron’s inner circle: Maverick Carter, Rich Paul, and Randy Mims is a gigantic part of what sets him up for success.

While LeBron and his platform put Carter, Paul, and Mims in places to succeed, the group’s diligence, trust, and confidence in one another enable them to all prosper at the highest levels.

LeBron and Mav Carter bonded in high school despite being three years apart. In 2005, Mav became LeBron’s manager, and since then, the two have secured a stake in Liverpool F.C., signed a deal with Beats, created UNINTERRUPTED, their media company, and created their production company SpringHill Entertainment, among other things.

LeBron met Rich Paul at the airport one day in Ohio, complimenting his throwback jersey and asking him where he got it. James and Paul hit it off, and in 2012 Paul launched his own sports agency, Klutch Sports.

Paul manages a group including LeBron, Ben Simmons, Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and Draymond Green. Yeah… big and only getting bigger.

Finally, Randy Mims is one of LeBron’s oldest friends. Mims is Bron’s chief of staff, and now an executive with the Lakers. The trust that this team has in one another is really what allows them all to prosper and progress.

It’s not enough of the equation to say LeBron put his team on. They helped him reach the next echelon, and still are helping him today. See they put each other on, and their trust and belief in one another allow them to be their best selves.