This paper presents an efficient codebook initialization approach for the Linde-Buzo-Gray (LBG) algorithm used in vector quantization (VQ) for image compression. The proposed method utilizes the highest level of an image pyramid to enhance the initial codebook selection, improving both convergence speed and image quality as shown in simulation results. Compared to the standard LBG algorithm, the new scheme demonstrates significant advantages in reducing iterations and yielding higher PSNR values for encoded images.