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Liverpool has paid tribute to basketball legend LeBron James on social media after he became the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 career points.

James, the Los Angeles Lakers star, led the US national basketball team to its 18th Olympics final last summer, an event which it has dominated since its introduction in 1936.

On that occasion, they won gold by beating France.

But James is also a minority investor in Fenway Sports Group, the Liverpool FC owner.

When James was first awarded a two per cent take in the club as part of a marketing deal with the Boston-based group, it was valued at around $6.0m (£4.7m/€5.5m).

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According to The Mirror, the 39-year-old's Liverpool shares had increased in value by approximately $45m (£35m/€31m) by the time he divested himself of them.

As a result of his FSG involvement, LeBron has become a more visible part of the Liverpool operation in recent years, with the club releasing two 'LFC x LeBron' merchandise ranges alongside Nike that have proved to be a commercial hit.

It is not the first time the basketball star has endorsed Reds wear overseas either.

Liverpool supporters have long embraced James' brand being involved with their own team, with the NBA icon frequently referencing the club in interviews and on social media

He has previously worn Liverpool merchandise on multiple occasions.

Liverpool.com says: LeBron James is not a bad ally to have when it comes to marketing