NBA (DR) / Lewis Howes (DR)
By Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist
Arriving in the league in 2009, James Harden had the chance to forge links with a certain Kobe Bryant. A relationship that went well beyond basketball and which led the Bearded Man to take $500,000 out of his pocket on the advice of his prestigious counterpart.
When one was starting his first season in the big leagues, the other was coming off his fourth championship title NBA. No wonder, then, that James Harden saw Kobe Bryant as a logical source of inspiration upon his arrival in the league. This was actually quite good for him, since the illustrious Lakers back took many young players under his wing during the final years of his career.
Aware of his counterpart’s scoring talent, the Black Mamba therefore agreed to provide him with advice on the matter. This allowed the two men to get closer, despite regular duels within the Western Conference. Moreover, their relationship very quickly was no longer limited to basketball and, among other things, gave rise to collaboration on the… business level.
Kobe Bryant’s $500,000 tip for James Harden
Already holding a nice track record when Harden arrived in the NBA, Kobe also had a substantial fortune. Suffice to say that he still had something to inspire his young fellow, whom he helped to follow in his footsteps in the field. Recent guest on the show Earn Your Leisurethe Bearded man returned to this helping hand from his elder, with whom he launched into the world of investment:
James Harden : Kobe told me, “We’re going to raise $5 million and we’re going to distribute it across various business opportunities. » It could be a small $200,000 on one side, $500,000 on the other… It depended on what type of investment it was. In any case, the idea was to gather a sum together to invest it. This was before he passed away and rested in peace.
And it is clear that the Clippers star has not had to regret it. The proof with a single example from him:
James Harden : BodyArmor was the cornerstone of this project. We built this business from the start. It took us 8 or 10 years, but look how far it’s gone. Kobe made me spend $500,000 on BodyArmor and it made me a lot of money in the end. And if I’m not mistaken, Kobe had put 8 million on his side and it brought him 450 million! BodyArmor was sold for 7.8 billion to Coca-Cola.
Whether on or off the floor, Vino was definitely trustworthy for the young guard in the league.
If James Harden has a good fortune these days, he owes it in part to Kobe Bryant. Whether thanks to his purely basketball or business advice, the Black Mamba has indeed brought (very) big money to The Beard.
