NBA: Playoffs-Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers
May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
LeBron James has made more than $500 million in NBA salary alone. He is also one of the most decorated players in league history, with four NBA championships, four MVP awards and four Finals MVPs. However, Kevin Love says he still refuses to waste money on one small expense.
That expense? Roaming data.
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Love recently shared a story about James’ habits when the NBA travels to Toronto. According to him, the new Philadelphia 76ers star avoids using cellular data almost completely while in Canada.
“I’ve seen it a million times in Toronto,” Love said.
Kevin Love says LeBron James refuses to use roaming data in Toronto and waits until he can connect to Wi-Fi
“I’ve seen it a million times in Toronto. They talk about wealth and all that. It’s the things you don’t see. For him, if we’re in Toronto, that drive from the airport and… pic.twitter.com/3TKmbs8FgE
— dank (@cptdankkk) August 12, 2026
Love added that James would go through customs and leave the airport without using data. He would then wait until the team reached the hotel and connect to Wi-Fi.
“Then that drive from the hotel to the arena, Air Canada, also waits to get to the arena Wi-Fi,” Love said.
It became such a familiar routine that Love could not help but laugh about it.
LeBron James earned $52M in 2025-26
May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks towards his bench after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
LeBron James earned $52,627,153 with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. It turned out to be his last with the historic franchise, deciding to continue his playing days with the 76ers. The amount was the most he was paid for a single year in his NBA career. However, he wants free Wi-Fi over paid coverage when travelling.
“What’s the finance great saying? ‘A small leak can sink a great ship,’” Love joked. “I can appreciate it. It’s not like I’m mad at him. But c’mon bro. It’s just roaming.”
The story encapsulates the longstanding reputation of James as someone who pays attention to his spending, despite being one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
James entered the NBA as the No. 1 pick in 2003. More than two decades later, he remains one of the league’s biggest stars and the league’s all-time leading scorer. Still, even a player with James’ résumé apparently knows when to save a few dollars. For Love, the funniest part may be how committed his former teammate is to the routine.
No roaming. No exceptions. Just find the Wi-Fi.