Fans can't believe that the NBA's biggest cheapskate, LeBron James, is joining Savannah in a staggering $3 million purchase

LeBron James has sparked an online debate after revealing an expensive piece of art alongside his wife, Savannah James , in Vogue’s “Objects of Affection” video series.

The basketball superstar showed off Jean-Michel Basquiat’s painting Minor Success, reportedly bought for $3 million, leaving some fans questioning its price and artistic appeal.

During the video, James explained that Basquiat’s early work was shaped by limited resources, noting that the artist couldn’t always afford to put his creations on canvas.

“In some of his early work, he didn’t have the money or the resources to actually put some of his works on canvas,” said James .

“This is some of the first work where he started to use the crown and it resonated not only to me, it resonated to our family.”

Online reactions, however, were far less sentimental. Some commenters mocked the artwork’s appearance, comparing its expressive marks to something a child might create. Others questioned why wealthy celebrities spend millions on art that doesn’t appeal to everyone.

The reveal also revived James ’ reputation for being unusually frugal. Former teammate Dwyane Wade once jokingly labelled him the NBA’s “cheapest guy,” and fans have teased James over his reported reluctance to pay for mobile data.

Seeing him associated with a multimillion-dollar artwork made that reputation an easy target for jokes.

Why LeBron’s expensive artwork has fans talking

Basquiat is recognized as a major figure in contemporary art, celebrated for energetic compositions, symbolic imagery and his recurring crown motif.

His works have fetched substantial sums, though art remains subjective. The online criticism reflects that divide.

The purchase has also drawn attention because of James ’ enormous wealth and his reported move to the Philadelphia 76ers. While currently on an $8 million contract, his finances extend beyond basketball earnings, endorsements and business ventures.

Away from the art debate, James has also been in the spotlight for a family moment. His daughter Zhuri celebrated her 12th birthday courtside during Philadelphia’s October 22 game against Cleveland. A video shared by the NBA showed her smiling and waving in her father’s jersey.

James and Savannah are also parents to sons Bronny and Bryce . The NBA star has often spoken warmly about his children, and he’s said that seeing Zhuri smile can brighten his day.

He has also joked that she’s focused on volleyball, rather than adding another basketball player to the family.