LeBron James's LLC linked to Mark Walter's investigated firms

Reports indicate that LeBron James’s limited liability company engaged in significant financial transactions with business entities advised by Guggenheim Partners, led by Mark Walter, prior to James joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

In 2018, James’s LLC reportedly borrowed $300 million from two Midwestern life insurers advised by an arm of Guggenheim Partners. A second transaction occurred in 2022, involving the purchase of approximately $60 million in 34-year bonds with a 5.75% interest rate. A representative for James stated these transactions were a “securitization done by Mr. James with his personal, non-NBA salary, assets and income,” noting the structures were fully approved by the NBA.

These financial dealings come as Mark Walter faces federal and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations into the financial transactions of his insurance companies. Walter, who was CEO of Guggenheim at the time of the initial 2018 transaction, is reportedly cooperating with the investigation. Additionally, Guggenheim was among the investors that helped raise $100 million for SpringHill Co., a media venture owned by James and Maverick Carter, in 2020.