Lucky Me

A Memoir of Changing the Odds

By: Rich Paul, Jesse Washington, LeBron James - introduction

Narrated by: Rich Paul, Dennis Logan

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A memoir of will, success, and the luck we make—from the founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group and one of the most influential figures in the multibillion-dollar sports industry

“One of the greatest stories of growing up in America’s ghettos and overcoming adversity.”—Jay-Z

“The minute I met Rich, I knew he was different.”—LeBron James, from the Foreword

A BET BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

There’s a story about Rich Paul that everyone knows: A twenty-one-year-old kid from Cleveland who sells sports jerseys out of his car meets a high school basketball phenom named LeBron James at an airport—the two become friends and forge a decades-long partnership that reinvents the business of sports. That random meeting might seem like the lucky break that changed Paul’s life. But a moment of good fortune means nothing without the struggle that gets you there. And the truth is, Paul had always been lucky.

Rich Paul became a gambler at an early age—his fast mind and gift for finding an edge made him a devastating dice roller who could hold his own with grown men, win big, and walk away alive. Shooting dice wasn’t just a pastime; it was a way to earn money for his family as his mother struggled under the weight of drug addiction. He learned the secret science of dice in the same place he found all the lessons of his young life: the corner store his father operated, the center of the neighborhood’s frantic action. Paul’s father had another family but kept his son close working at the store. Paul dreamed of becoming a star athlete, but the streets were where he thrived, building a lucrative enterprise on shaky ground. When he found himself at a dangerous crossroads, he summoned the teachings of his past to create a different future.

Readers will follow the riveting journey of a young Rich Paul narrated by the Paul of today, who looks back with wit and insight, drawing out the lessons he learned at every stage—about business, people, and the values that lead to success. It’s the inspiring story of the luck that’s all around us, if we know where to look.

Critic reviews

Praise for Rich Paul and Lucky Me

“The minute I met Rich, I knew he was different. . . . [He] helped me find my strength. Rich’s superpower is understanding what people truly need. So when you flip these pages and witness the kind of pain we felt growing up, don’t flinch. Hard truths make us stronger.”—LeBron James, from the Foreword

“This book is an American tale of ‘against all odds’—and I believe young people in similar environments will see themselves in Lucky Me, one of the greatest stories of growing up in America’s ghettos and overcoming adversity.”—Jay-Z

“Rich Paul spells out why businesses need to recognize that elite talent can take the most unlikely paths. By treating people the right way, demanding excellence at every turn, and utilizing the lessons he learned from his father, Paul turned his opportunity into one of the great, modern-day success stories in sports.”—Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman

1000/10

Mannn this had to be one of the BEST autobiography’s I’ve read so far. The last chapter almost made me tear up when he was talking bout his moms passing.. this game me motivation nd put a battery in my back, that if rich can make I can too & im from COLUMBUS OH.. S/O to the city

The American Dream on Steroids

Lucky me was a story of ascension while working with the circumstances you have been dealt. Betting on yourself, and controlling the bounce of the dice. Don't bet against the shooter. Jesse and Rich sequenced this story masterfully! Only downside is I finished it in 1 day.... run it back guys... pt 2!!!

Amazing story, left you wanting to hear more

Incredible and inspiring story. I truly enjoyed it. Only knock was I was left wanting to hear more about the next chapter, more stories, how he grew Klutch, etc. Will just have to wait for the next book.

"Could use some flow"

All hoods have hood legends and know doubt he's one certain ppl can take it to the next level and he is one, one complaint if you will but someone else mabe should have read it, he did good but lacked flow but great book

Inspired

I am inspired by Rich Paul’s resilience and always striving for greatness despite the odds. I was interested in listening to his book to hopefully get some tips on management, but I learned so much more. Thank you