LeBron James has gone through the rough path of life while growing up in Akron, Ohio, to becoming one of the greatest basketball players that ever lived. His rise to stardom have a lot to do with one man, who grew up with James on the streets of Akron, to becoming one of his close friends, his manager, and a business partner today.
Despite his wealth, LeBron James’ manager Maverick Carter has a lifestyle that many would question. In an intriguing event, he admitted to being involved in a prohibited act for NBA players and staff by betting on NBA games.
Who is LeBron James’ manager Maverick Carter?
Maverick Carter, the CEO of SpringHill Company, is a longtime friend, manager, and business associate of LeBron James. He has played a crucial role in shaping James’ business portfolio and international profile, contributing to the King’s status as one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
Carter, also a media personality, executive producer, and entrepreneur, co-founded the production company SpringHill Company with James in 2020. This Hollywood-based entertainment development company has been behind successful movies like Netflix’s “Hustle” and Warner Bros.’ “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” among others.
Growing up in Atlanta and Akron, Ohio, the same community as James, Carter participated in basketball and football at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. During their time together, Carter and James led their basketball team to an undefeated season when Carter was a senior and LeBron was a freshman.
Carter initially earned a basketball scholarship to Western Michigan but later transferred to the University of Akron. Following this, Carter played a significant role in assisting James on his journey to billionaire status. After interning and working for Nike in the early years of James’ NBA career, he co-launched the sports marketing firm LRMR Management Company in 2006 alongside agents Rich Paul and Randy Mims.
LeBron James’ manager admits to making illegal bets on NBA games
Maverick Carter, a long-time friend and business manager to Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, acknowledged to a federal agent in 2021 that he engaged in sports betting with an illegal bookie, as confirmed by The Washington Post’s Gus Garcia-Roberts on Thursday.
This revelation came during an investigation into Wayne Nix, a former Minor League baseball player who pleaded guilty to operating an illegal sports gambling business and filing a false tax return in 2022. According to The Post, Carter confessed to placing approximately 20 bets on basketball and football, each ranging between $5,000 and $10,000.
Adam Mendelsohn, who is a spokesperson for Maverick Carter and LeBron James for many years, in a statement to The Post said, “Mr. Carter was not the target of the investigation, cooperated, was never charged, and never contacted again on the matter.”
Carter told law enforcement some time ago that he couldn’t recall betting on the Lakers games and denied making bets for others, including players From a technical standpoint, Carter is not prohibited from betting on sports, as players, team officials, referees, and agents associated with the NBPA are typically restricted from such activities.
However, betting with an illegal bookie in an area where sports gambling is not legal raises concerns. Despite this, the league’s perspective is that Carter did not violate any specific rules. Nix’s alleged operation spanned over two decades and included notable clients like Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen.
Yasiel Puig, a former Major League baseball player, is scheduled for trial in January after pleading not guilty to charges related to lying to law enforcement about sports bets he purportedly made with Nix.
