LeBron James files for the trademark 'nothing is given'

What's the story?

ESPN Sports Business Reporter Darren Rovell is reporting on a recent trademark filed by NBA superstar LeBron James. The phrase being trademarked is, "Nothing is given. Everything is earned."

In case you didn't know...

LeBron is very active in the business world. He owns the production company SpringHill Entertainment. Their first film was More Than A Game, a documentary about LeBron's high school years.

Another trademark that LeBron owns is "just another kid from Akron."

The heart of the matter...

The phrase was first used by James in the 2014 Sports Illustrated article in which he announced he would return to Cleveland after four seasons with the Miami Heat. Take a look at his exact quote from that article below:

"In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given," LeBron told SI's Lee Jenkins at the time before leaving Miami to return to his home state. "Everything is earned. You work for what you have."

Rovell mentions that the filings are a part of the I Promise School program that LeBron set up in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. That program will help build new elementary schools starting in the fall of 2018.

What's next?

Even though LeBron's stats are fairly solid, the Cleveland Cavaliers (3-4) are struggling to start the 2017-18 season. They will take on the Indiana Pacers (3-3) on Wednesday night.

Author's take...

It's no secret that LeBron is a great businessman, and this trademark continues that trend. What he trademarked is not only a pure sports quote but transcends beyond sports. It is a phrase that has a lot of meaning behind it.