In a world where athletes regularly push boundaries both on and off the court, it seems even NBA superstar LeBron James isn’t above leveling up — in a virtual sense. According to recent reports, LeBron has been spending as much as $10,000 on Virtual Currency (VC) in the popular basketball simulation game NBA 2K, all in an effort to help his son, Bronny James, build a formidable player in the game.

NBA 2K is widely regarded for its realistic gameplay and extensive customization options, particularly in its “MyCareer” mode, where players create and develop their own personalized characters. However, advancing in the game can often require purchasing VC, which allows players to quickly upgrade attributes, purchase gear, and progress their character’s overall rating. For most players, grinding through matches is the slow, traditional path, but for those with the means, VC offers an expedited route to basketball greatness—virtually, at least.

Reports suggest LeBron has been using his financial clout to give Bronny’s player a competitive edge. Although spending $10,000 on in-game currency may seem extravagant to the average gamer, it’s a small price for someone like LeBron, whose net worth exceeds $1 billion. And while virtual spending like this might raise eyebrows, it reflects a growing trend of high-profile athletes and celebrities indulging in gaming as a way to bond with family and friends or simply enjoy some downtime.

For LeBron and Bronny, basketball isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life. Bronny, a highly-touted basketball prospect in his own right, has made waves both on the court and in the gaming world, amassing a large following on platforms like Twitch, where he streams NBA 2K and other games. This reported investment by LeBron could be seen as more than just boosting stats for his son’s virtual player — it could be part of a broader father-son experience as they navigate the intersection of basketball and gaming together.

This isn’t the first time athletes have embraced the gaming world in a significant way. The popularity of esports and competitive gaming has exploded, with athletes like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Paul George all expressing their love for gaming. But LeBron’s reported spending may be one of the more extreme examples of blending real-world wealth with the digital space. After all, it’s not every day you hear about a $10,000 investment in a virtual player.

Critics may argue that such a hefty sum for in-game purchases sets a questionable precedent, especially in a game with such a large youth audience. The debate over microtransactions and their impact on gamers, particularly younger ones, has been a contentious issue for years. Many players have voiced concerns that pay-to-win mechanics can undermine the integrity of the game, making skill and effort secondary to financial investment.

However, for someone like LeBron, it’s likely less about winning at all costs and more about creating memories and sharing experiences with his son. In an era where athletes are pulled in countless directions by professional and personal obligations, gaming offers a unique opportunity to unwind and bond, whether you’re competing in real life or in the virtual world.

LeBron’s reported NBA 2K spending underscores how video games continue to bridge generations and become a common ground for people of all ages, regardless of their real-world prowess. And for LeBron and Bronny, the virtual court might just be one more arena where they can continue building their legendary father-son dynamic.

In the end, this reported $10,000 investment may be about more than just virtual attributes — it could be LeBron’s way of ensuring that, whether in the real world or the digital one, he and Bronny are playing the game of life together, leveling up every step of the way.