LA Lakers superstar LeBron James begins construction of dream home after destroying $38.6 million mansion in 2020

LeBron James has begun building his dream home in Beverly Hills, California more than two years after purchasing the $36.8 million property. James has been living in Los Angeles since 2018 when he signed with the LA Lakers in free agency.

According to The Daily Mail, construction started earlier this week after two years of legal proceedings. James initially demolished the house inside the property that once housed Audrey Hepburn.

Builders, trucks and heavy machinery could be seen inside the 2.5 acres of land. It signals James' intent to permanently live in Los Angeles and continue building his brand that's now worth a billion dollars.

It also might mean that he's closing in on his retirement. James teased his retirement after the Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals last postseason.

"Going forward with the game of basketball, I've got a lot to think about," James said.

One of his best friends, Carmelo Anthony, announced his retirement at the time, which might have factored in James' cryptic message.

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Who owned the property before LeBron James purchased it?

LeBron James' $36.8 million mansion before he demolished it. (Photo: @reddawg77089/Twitter)

LeBron James purchased the property for $36.8 million in September 2020. It was built in the 1930s and was first owned by Charles Boyer. He's a four-time Acadamy Award-nominated actor known for his roles in films like The Garden of Allah and Love Affair.

Boyer sold the property to billionaire Howard Hughes, who leased it to Audrey Hepburn. After the legendary actress left, it was owned by several non-Hollywood people before getting purchased by William Brent Bell and Lee Phillip Bell in 1986. They are the co-creators of the television show The Young and the Restless.

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LeBron James expected to return for his 21st NBA season

LeBron James at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race

Despite teasing his retirement at the end of the LA Lakers' playoff run, LeBron James is expected to return for his 21st NBA season. James has two years left on his contract, with a player option for the 2024-25 season.

"The King" remains one of the best players in the world despite turning 38 in December. He's still explosive for his age, but injuries have started to slow him down. His athleticism is slowly diminishing and this will likely continue as he moves closer to 40.

Nevertheless, James has motivation heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, especially to dethrone the Denver Nuggets, whose head coach Michael Malone continues to trash-talk him and the Lakers.