LeBron James, the most stylish empire-builder in sports, covers GQ‘s March issue. GQ’s Jeanne Marie Laskas catches up with James to hear how he feels about winning, change, fatherhood, his responsibility on and off the court, and what he has his sights on to conquer next.
“Winning is my drug,” James tells GQ. Ten years into his career, he strives to be the best. “My drive to be the greatest basketball player ever is very high,” says James.
His response to people wanting more points out of him: “Like, I could average thirty-five points a game if I really wanted to,” he says. “But then—it wouldn’t be me.”
He also talks about what he wants to achieve outside of his basketball career, including being a comedy actor, singer, Picasso. And a billionaire. “If it happens. It’s my biggest milestone. Obviously. I want to maximize my business. And if I happen to get it, if I happen to be a billionaire athlete, ho. Hip hip hooray! Oh, my God, I’m gonna be excited,” he tells GQ.
Photo Credit: Terry Richardson / GQ
He talks to GQ about change—what turned him into basketball’s most hated villain for a stretch. “Good! That’s like a good thing. I’m like, ‘Thank you.’ Shit. I’m 29 years old with a family—I’m married with a family. I—of course I’ve changed. The problem is, you haven’t changed. And that’s why you dislike what I do.” He’s sick of hearing it used as criticism and says, “I’m trying to better myself. Change is not a bad thing.” His response to people in his community that accuse him of change, “It’s my responsibility to show them it’s not a bad thing to be someone who’s changed.”
James also explains why fatherhood is a lot like sports. “Being a leader of my household, a leader of Miami, a leader of Team USA. It’s the exact same thing.”
James tells GQ that “The Decision” was a learning experience: “The best thing that ever happened to me. I needed it. It helped me grow as a man. As a professional, as a father. At the time, as a boyfriend. It helped me grow.”
Click here to check out the full article and photo slideshow at GQ.com.
Click here to see photos from LeBron’s cover party in New Orleans.
