"Wesley helped arrange another introduction to one of his heroes" - Brian Windhorst reveals how Reebook connected LeBron James with Jay-Z

People who follow the NBA know that LeBron James and rapper Jay-Z have been friends for a few decades. They go all the way back to LBJ's high school days, and their friendship withstood the test of time. However, the story behind how these two met remained a mystery.

In his book "LeBron, Inc: The Making of a Billion Dollar Athlete," author Brian Windhorst revealed the inner workings of the relationship between the now-Los Angeles Lakers superstar and the hip-hop mogul.

Windy revealed that a mysterious, but powerful, person, known only in NBA circles, made it possible, back when several shoe companies were jockeying to sign the high school phenom.

"Nike had helped make sure Jordan take an interest in LeBron. (William) Wesley helped arrange another introduction to one of LeBron's heroes, hip-hop mogul, Jay-Z," Windy wrote in the book.

"World Wide Wes" is one of the most powerful people in basketball

William Wesley is a name that probably does not ring a bell among fans, at least among the casuals. Also dubbed "World Wide Wes," the individual has extraordinary influence among NBA athletes, professional and college coaches and other sports superstars.

For some reason, Wes shows up everywhere the winners gather. He could be seen hugging Jerry Jones after winning Super Bowls in the 1990s, celebrating with the University of Miami football players or sitting alongside Nike's Phil Knight during March Madness.

Wesley had forged relationships with notable players such as Ron Artest, Allen Iverson, and many others. He became better known to the public as the bald dude in the gray suit who pulled the then-Indiana Pacers forward in the middle of a melee at the "Malice in the Palace."

People around the league have a hard time pinning down what Wesley does with the players. Windhorst suggested he was more like an "uncle" to these hoopers, helping them out with their families and connecting them to possible decision-makers in various deals related to the sport.

And that's how it was with LeBron and Jay-Z. As Windhorst noted, Nike already had a grip on Bron after going the extra mile to woo the St. Vincent-St. Mary's star. Wesley could not persuade James to sign with Reebok to join his close friend Iverson, but he did the next best thing to get in his good graces: introduce him to his idol, Jay-Z.

"People who really know Wes know that he's one of the two or three most powerful people in the sport," David Falk, Michael Jordan's agent and another good friend of Wesley, said.

Related: "OK, I'm reloaded!" - Jamal Crawford said Latrell Sprewell quoted a Jay-Z song before giving him his "Welcome to the NBA" moment

Bron and Jay-Z's friendship over the years

LeBron and Jay-Z's friendship is deep enough that some around the league worry whether "The King" might decide to jump ship and join the Brooklyn Nets by the time his Cleveland Cavaliers contract was over in 2010. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, was a part-owner of the Nets before he sold his stake in 2013.

Since then, Jay-Z has become a mentor for LBJ. The latter made no secret of his goal of becoming a billionaire athlete, and Jay was there as his compass. He spoke James' language when it comes to fame, the pressure along with it, and building a business empire.

What began as a favor from a well-connected insider becomes one of the most enduring friendships of James' life. With Jay-Z's help, Bron was able to see the world beyond the hardwood, the borderless career he had always wanted.

Related: Reggie Miller believes LeBron James will fit in perfectly with the Lakers this season

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.