A star athlete’s bold real estate move reshapes one of LA’s most prestigious neighborhoods
NBA legend LeBron James is not just rewriting basketball history—he’s reshaping Beverly Hills real estate. The Los Angeles Lakers star is making headlines with the progress of his ambitious hilltop mansion project at 9955 Beverly Grove Drive, a site that once housed a Mediterranean-style estate steeped in Hollywood history.
From Historic Mansion to Modern Compound
LeBron James originally purchased the 2.5-acre property in 2020 for $36.8 million. The former home, built in the 1930s, was once owned and leased by aviation tycoon Howard Hughes to actress Katharine Hepburn during her career peak. Later, it was owned by TV pioneers Lee Phillip Bell and William J. Bell, the creators of The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.
Despite its rich history and original 13,000-square-foot structure—complete with a tennis court, pool, and screening room—James opted for a complete teardown in 2023. It took nearly three years after closing to secure permits, but demolition eventually made way for what’s shaping up to be a truly royal residence.
What’s Rising in Its Place
According to photos obtained by Realtor.com, construction is now well underway on a multistory mega-compound designed with privacy, luxury, and expansive city views in mind.
Key features of the future estate reportedly include:
- A resort-style infinity pool
- A home theater and wine cellar
- At least two guest houses
- A private indoor basketball court
- And of course, architectural elements that maximize privacy and panoramic views across Los Angeles
This will become James’ primary residence upon completion, shared with his wife Savannah and their children Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri. Notably, Bronny joined the Lakers in 2024, marking the first father-son duo in NBA history to play together—just one more record-breaking moment in LeBron’s already monumental career.
Preserving the Location, Not the Legacy
While the original home had undeniable historical charm, James chose to prioritize functionality and future-forward design. In LA’s high-end real estate market, teardown projects like this aren’t uncommon—even for iconic homes. In fact, Beverly Hills and its surrounding enclaves have seen a rise in ultra-luxury compounds replacing older, less efficient structures.
This shift reflects modern buyers’ increasing preference for custom-built estates that offer lifestyle-enhancing amenities, state-of-the-art security, and smart home technology.
What This Means for the Market
LeBron’s Beverly Hills project is more than celebrity gossip—it’s a case study in real estate reinvention. His decision to buy, demolish, and rebuild at such a premium price point speaks volumes about the enduring value of location, especially in a high-demand zip code like 90210.
For homeowners, it underscores the value of land over structure in certain luxury markets. And for buyers? It’s a reminder that Los Angeles remains a global epicenter for architectural innovation and high-end real estate investments.
Conclusion: Building a New Legacy
LeBron James is turning a hillside Beverly Hills parcel into a dream compound that mirrors his larger-than-life career and family legacy. While the original home was rooted in Old Hollywood history, the new estate represents forward-thinking luxury—one designed to stand for generations to come.
As Los Angeles continues to attract global attention and wealth, projects like this signal that demand for ultra-custom homes with iconic views and complete privacy is only growing.
Thinking About Luxury Real Estate in Los Angeles?
Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or build your dream home in Beverly Hills, Boutique Realty is here to help. We specialize in luxury homes, iconic locations, and high-level service tailored to discerning clients.
📞 Call Allen Brodetsky at (818) 312-0831
📧 Email: al***@**********la.com
Let’s start a conversation about your next move—because even if you’re not building a palace, you deserve to live like royalty.