LeBron James has finally begun building his dream Beverly Hills home, after demolishing the lavish $36.8million mansion he bought in September 2020.
After a two-year legal wrangle, the NBA legend has finally got the green light to begin work on the plot of land, with builders flocking to the site this week to get the delayed project up and running.
In exclusive images obtained by DailyMail.com, the sheer size of the build is laid bare, with mounds of dirt taking the place of the mansion where Katharine Hepburn lived in the prime of her career.
The 1930s property was first owned by Hollywood actor Charles Boyer, and then ultimately picked up by Howard Hughes, who leased it to Hepburn.
After Hepburn moved out, the home was owned by non-celebrities for many years, until 1986, when it was purchased for $2.9 million in 1986 by The Young And the Restless creators William Brent Bell and Lee Phillip Bell.
Work has begun on LeBron James’ new dream home after he knocked down a mansion he bought for $36.8m three years ago
The builders arrived this week to begin work on the huge plot of land, which used to be home to a beautiful mansion
The NBA star appears to be signaling his desire to stay in Los Angeles for the long-term as he builds his brand new property
James – who is currently weighing up his NBA future – poses with his wife Savannah at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday
A cement mixer arrives at the Beverly Hills mansion where James is having his dream home built on a $36.8m plot of land
Another angle of the property shows the sheer size of the project, with many builders already working on the build
LeBron bought the property in September 2020, but it appears he had very different plans for the famous home, immediately getting permission to knock it to the ground a few years shy of its 100th birthday.
The land included multiple buildings on a massive 2.5 acre plot, on which James will now sculpt his dream property – showing his commitment to stay long-term in Los Angeles past the end of his playing career.
The property is also secured by one of the largest driveway gates in Los Angeles.
The NBA legend is currently weighing up what to do next after the Lakers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs by the eventual champion Denver Nuggets in May.
Immediately after the game, James teased the possibility of retirement at the age of 38, telling reporters: ‘I got a lot to think about. Just personally, with me moving forward in the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about.’
Before it was demolished, the land was home to a huge mansion, in which Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn used to live
The original home was built in the 1930s and first owned by Hollywood actor Charles Boyer, though it no longer exists
The former home also included a full theatrical screening room and seven fireplaces placed around the huge property
After Hepburn moved out, the home was owned by non-celebrities for many years until 1986, when it was bought for $2.9m
Other amenities included ‘multiple al fresco dining and entertaining areas, and a lighted tennis court with viewing pavilion’
When he does eventually walk off the court for the final time, James has spoken openly about his desire to own an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas.
After playing in a preseason game in Sin City last year, he said of the location: ‘It’s wonderful. It’s the best fanbase in the world and I would love to bring a team here at some point. That would be amazing.
‘I know Adam [Silver] is in Abu Dhabi right now I believe with the Bucks and Atlanta, but he probably sees every single interview and transcript that comes through from NBA players so, I want the team here Adam, thank you.’
On the court, James has been in Los Angeles for five seasons – and clearly sees his long-term future in the California city
James’ son Bronny is also an up-and-coming basketball star, and he will attend the University of Southern California this year
But regardless of whether that plan comes to fruition, James has certainly made a big commitment to the city of Los Angeles, with the purchase of the land and his plans to build his perfect home in Beverly Hills.
The next few years will also likely see his son Bronny – and potentially his second son Bryce – grace the NBA court as they continue their rise through the ranks.
Bronny recently signed with the University of Southern California, keeping him in the close vicinity of his dad’s new work-in-progress mansion.
USC is less than a 30 minute, 10-mile drive from the Beverly Hills home – another reason LeBron may be keen to stay in town for the foreseeable future.
