We all know LeBron James as the superstar of the sporting world. But, what we really don’t know is the factory behind the curtains. The 4x NBA Champion is undoubtedly the dominant talent on the court. However, off the court, James isn’t King James without the presence of the ‘Four Horsemen’, the crew that took care of the legend’s business outside the arena. And Randy Mims is one of the influential personalities in the mix, who once almost dragged the superstar behind bars for a PED investigation.

Randy Mims A. K. A Ernie Ramos has been around James since age five. Ramos continued to stick around the Chosen One and found himself an important role in the superstar’s business team, as chief of staff. According to Bleacher Report, James met Ramos at the Akron housing projects and continued to grow with him.

If at all the superstar’s business crew, which includes Rich Paul, Maverick Carter & Mims, needs an introduction, it’s safe to say that they helped James become a billionaire despite being the highest-paid player for only once in his career. The crew managed all the investments, which approximately amounted to $500 million. In the multi-million dollar business, Ernie Ramos took care of James’ ever-tight schedules and spearheaded the business idea. In short, he is the personal manager of one of the greatest basketball players in the world.

“I am so grateful and blessed that we found each other” – LeBron James
It’s not like LeBron James pretended as if the strong crew behind him never existed. In fact, the superstar addressed it as early as 2004. In an interview with BET’s Rap City, he said, “I don’t want nobody to think this is my entourage. This is my business side… King James, Inc., we’re trying to lock down the business side,” introducing his crew. Most importantly, the Akron Hammer was able to identify the potential in his friends and looked beyond the business degrees.

Moreover, in a 2018 interview with Andscape, James also added, “Watching my three brothers grow into serious businessmen with purpose fills me with so much pride.” He continued, “I always knew there was something special about Randy, Rich, and Maverick and that, together, we were going to do something very different. I am so grateful and blessed that we found each other. And know my life would be very different without them.”

While everything seemed to have gone on the right track, there was a moment when it all could’ve derailed. And, it could have been because of his childhood buddy, Randy Mims.

Randy Mims and the DEA investigation

Almost everyone is still aware of The Biogenesis Clinic which nearly took down baseball in 2o10s. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a probe in the early 2010s under the suspiction of usage of performance enhancement drugs (PEDs). Following, 21 baseball players including Alex Rodriguez found themselves on the wrong side.

While the sporting world moved past the infamous DEA investigation, it came to light with a bang involving LeBron James. Although the reports clearly stated that the superstar didn’t take PEDs during his career. But, James’ popped out because of Randy Mims. Apparently, Mims purchased testosterone for personal use from Carlos Acevedo, a known PED dealer.

Speaking of the revelation, a DEA investigator said, “There was never any indication that LeBron James did anything wrong.” And also clarified that Mims purchased the drug as a treatment for his overweight. Nevertheless, the investigation didn’t cause any harm to the superstar and his friendship with his childhood buddy.

LeBron James’ unconditional love for Mims
Despite all the ups and downs, the duo have continued to keep their brotherhood alive. Randy Mims doesn’t express much about his friendship with James, but if he does, he hits it out of the park. During King James’ monumental feat to become the all-time leading scorer of the NBA, Mims penned a heart warming write up on his IG. The last line of the write up read, “We got a brotherhood that can’t be broke!!!”

Importantly, it isn’t a one-sided affair. LeBron James never failed to appreciate Randy’s efforts whenever he gets the opportunity. And, also never failed to make his special day even more special. On his recent birthday, James took to his IG stories, shared a picture of Mims and wrote, “Happy Born Day to my brother fr fr!!! Ain’t sh*t w/o champ! Let’s keep going! Love you.”

On the other hand, despite the abundant love that Mims received from James, he has continued to keep himself grounded throughout his stay with the superstar. In a special documentary with ESPN, he said, “Nobody’s paying to see Randy Mims. They’re coming to see the big fella. I could really make this about me but like 16 years ago I left my ego at the door.”

LeBron James heads into his 22nd NBA season and almost reached the end of his balling career. It also meant James’ business crew has come to a full circle. Even though they will continue to work together after his retirement, it’s a massive deal to stick together for over 20 years.