LeBron James (Images Credit: X)

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is close to entering his 22nd season, equalizing legendary Vince Carter for the most seasons played in the NBA. James has been a dominant star in the league with a fierce approach. Off the court, the Los Angeles Lakers forward enjoys a wonderful family life, which is reflected in his tattoos.

LeBron James is inked with various tattoos that he uses to express himself and honor his loved ones. Some of his tattoos bear deep meanings, including story narration and heartfelt tribute. Let’s dive into LeBron James’s tattoos and discover what they represent.

How Many Tattoos Does LeBron James Have?

LeBron James has his entire body covered in tattoos, from shoulders to legs. On his left shoulder, he has inscribed his birth year, “Est 1984.” On his right shoulder, he mentioned his hometown, “Akron.” Commemorating his family, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader has “Family” written on his right abdomen and “Loyalty” on the left. The Lakers star has at least 25 tattoos on his body.

Chest Tattoos

The four-time NBA MVP has two tattoos on his chest. LeBron has a winged lion tattoo on his chest that shows his aggressive playing style and bravery in making those buzzer-beating shots.
LeBron James (Images Credit: X)

However, the tattoo holds a close resemblance to the Boule group, a club with Martin Luther King and other elite African American males. Below this tattoo, LeBron has “Gifted Child” inscribed on his chest.

Back Tattoos

LeBron James (Image Credit: SI and X)
LeBron James got his first tattoo on his back in 2002, reading “Chosen 1.” In his final year of St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, James became the cover athlete of Sports Illustrated on February 18, 2002, with the title The Chosen One. Underneath his Chosen 1 tattoo, LeBron has a baby picture of his daughter, Zhuri.

Arms Tattoos

LeBron has a popular nickname, King James, and his crowned lion tattoo with “King James” written on his right biceps is a form of self-expression. Above his crowned lion tattoo, James has his mother’s name, Gloria, inked on his arm. The record 20-time All-Star has often mentioned his hometown, Akron, Ohio, as the place where his basketball journey began.

LeBron James (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
The Lakers star has “330” written on his right forearm, which is his hometown region code. He has a tattoo of two flying birds on the inner side of his right forearm. He has also received tattoos with his second child’s name, “Bryce Maximus,” on his right forearm.

He also has the initials of his three children, “B.B.Z” (Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri), with a crown on his right hand. He has “KJ1” written near his right thumb, which means King James 1. On his left bicep, LeBron has a beast body art tattoo with “Hold My Own” written underneath. The beast tattoo is surrounded by stars.
LeBron James (Photo Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

In 2005, Bron had a left forearm tattoo of his first-born Bronny James as a kid on his child’s first birthday. James has his initials L and J inked on his left and right triceps, while he has written “What We Do in Life” and “Echoes In Eternity” on his right and left arms.

Legs Tattoos

The 6-foot-9 forward has three tattoos on his legs that depict symbolism and his heartfelt tribute. On his left thigh, LeBron has a snake tattoo with roses, and the letter “Mamba 4 Life” is written on it. The tattoo is a tribute to the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who lost his life alongside his daughter and others in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

Before this tattoo, LeBron inscribed “History” near his left calf. On his right leg, the first and only NBA Cup MVP has inked “Witness.”
LeBron James’ Leg Tattoos (Images Credit: Getty Images and X)

LeBron James has a few more tattoos on his body, but their meaning is unclear. His right forearm tattoo reads, “No one can see through what I am except for the one that made me,” while his right forearm has a flames-like tattoo, which seems to be an artwork.