NBA fans may love to hate him, but LeBron James is one of the 10 most powerful celebrities in the world, at least according to business magazine Forbes.
Yesterday Forbes released its "Celebrity 100," an annual ranking of the most powerful celebrities in the world, and the James cracked the top ten for the first time. He is the second highest-rated athlete on the list, behind no. 6 Tiger Woods.
Not bad for a guy who hurt his reputation with his televised "Decision" announcing his move to the Heat from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Celebrity 100 list is a measure of entertainment-related earnings and media visibility. The rankings take into account multiple factors including earnings, press mentions, and Twitter and Facebook followers.
James still has a ways to go to catch up with stars like Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, and Justin Beiber, the top three on the list, but his media visibility is second only to Winfrey, according to Forbes.
The magazine estimated his earnings at $48 million, 29th on the list. James currently sports the top-selling NBA jersey and basketball shoe.
In 2010, James was no. 28 on the Forbes Celebrity 100. He is one of 19 athletes to make the list in 2011, including his teammate Dwyane Wade, ranked 57.
