LeBron James' business acumen has been celebrated informally, but now a new honor has boosted the Cleveland Cavaliers' superstar to new heights.

James has become the first active athlete to make SportsBusiness Daily's list of the 50 most influential people in sports. The list is usually reserved for commissioners and owners.

James and the Cavaliers' owner, Dan Gilbert, are ranked 26th. Here's what the publication had to say about the duo:

"Two figures connected for different reasons. Gilbert was surprisingly successful in luring James back to Cleveland and has the Cavs profiting greatly from James’ homecoming. Gilbert also is greatly influencing the makeover of two American cities with his investments in Detroit and Cleveland. James has transcended his status as an athlete, virtually single-handedly defining the NBA free agent market for a second time while continuing to rule the endorsement world and keep his hands in several business ventures"

James dictated the NBA free agent market last summer, as every major free agent waited on him before making a decision. James also cleverly signed a two-year deal with the Cavaliers, anticipating that the new salary cap that will kick in after the 2015-2016 season will allow him to demand more money.

Only 29 years old (he'll turn 30 later this month), James has been praised by none other than Warren Buffet for his business acumen. Endorsements included, James is the highest-paid player in the NBA and the third-highest paid athlete in the world.

James and Gilbert were in good company. The list included NBA commissioner Adam Silver (No. 1), ESPN president John Skipper (No. 2) and Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer (No. 13), among others.

NBA Hall Of Famers With Titles For Two Teams

 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem's first title came with Milwaukee in 1971 as he and Oscar Robertson guided the Bucks to the only championship in franchise history.

 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

After being traded to the Lakers, Kareem collected titles in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.

 

Wilt Chamberlain

In 1966-67, Chamberlain averaged 24.1 points and 24.2 rebounds to lead the 76ers to a 68-13 regular-season record and the NBA championship.

 

Wilt Chamberlain

After being traded to the Lakers, Wilt lost his first two Finals appearance, to Celtics in 1969 and the Knicks in 1970. But in 1972, Chamberlain and Lakers capped a season that included a 33-game winning streak and a 69-12 record by wiping out the Knicks in the Finals.

 

Jamaal Wilkes

Wilkes won NBA rookie of the year in 1975 when he and Rick Barry helped the Warriors win the title, sweeping the Bullets in the Finals.

 

Jamaal Wilkes

Wilkes then became the part of three title teams with the Lakers in 1980, 1982 and 1985.

 

Bill Walton

Walton was the catalyst to Portland's 1977 NBA championship team. In the clinching Game 6 against the 76ers, Walton had 20 points, 23 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 blocks.

 

Bill Walton

Injuries derailed his career, but Walton earned the NBA's Sixth Man Award in 1986 in helping the Celtics win the third and final championship of the Larry Bird era.

 

Dennis Johnson

Johnson was NBA Finals MVP in 1979 when the Seattle SuperSonics won the only championship in franchise history.

 

Dennis Johnson

The Celtics acquired Johnson to help contain 76ers guard Andrew Toney, who had earned the nickname The Boston Strangler. Johnson helped the Celtics win titles in 1984 and 1986.

 

Dennis Rodman

Rodman was a key reserve on Detroit's championship teams in 1989 and 1990.

 

Dennis Rodman

Then he replaced Horace Grant as the starting power forward on the Bulls and was a part of Michael Jordan's second three-peat.

 

Robert Parish

The Chief was the center of Boston's three title teams in the Bird era.

 

Robert Parish

He picked up one more ring as a reserve on the Bulls' 1997 championship team.

 

Slater Martin

Martin was part of the George Mikan-led Lakers that won four NBA titles in the early 50s.

 

Slater Martin

He was then a member of the St. Louis Hawks in 1958 when they beat the Celtics in the Finals for the franchise's lone championship.

 

Arnie Risen

Risen is No. 19 in the picture above of the Celtics' 1957 NBA championship team. It was the first in franchise history. Risen also won in 1951 with the Rochester Royals.

 

Clyde Lovellette

Lovellette is usually known for being the answer to this trivia question: Who was the first player to win an NCAA title, an Olympic gold medal and an NBA championship? Lovellette won three NBA rings, with the Lakers (1954) and Celtics (1963, 1964).

 

Shaquille O'Neal

Technically, Shaq is not part of the group yet, because he doesn't become eligible for Hall of Fame induction until 2017, but that's merely a formality. O'Neal led the Lakers to a three-peat in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

 

Shaquille O'Neal

After being traded to Miami, Shaq helped Dwyane Wade and the Heat earn their first title in 2006.

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