LeBron James makes more out of his off-court investments than playing in the NBA. That’s not to say the league is underpaying him. The reason we know a player like King James exists is thanks to the NBA. It gave him credibility and a brand name that is synonymous with trust.

But there was a time when hefty contracts and max deals were scrutinized down to the very bone. And the players who signed them received a terrible backlash.

Stephen A. on the money that is in sports now

Sitting down for a chat with Celtics legend, Kevin Garnett, Stephen A. Smith touches on some of the more somber aspects of KG’s life. One in particular that got wide attention was the $126 million contract Garnett had signed with the Timberwolves on October 1, 1997. Though it was good news for the “Big Ticket”, the events following the contract, as well as the many nasty side-eyes and barely concealed “complaints” did provide a bitter experience.

Talking about the same, Stephen A. says, “Once upon a time, when KG signed the $126 million contract, you had people complaining. Now they’re like, “Nah, he was smart, he was ahead of the curve.” He took those dollars, he manufactured and transitioned them into something greater.”

He goes on to explain how times have changed now. There is more money to be had at every turn. A few million-dollar contracts for players with just 2 years of experience, as KG had, don’t provide enough incentive for a ‘lockout’. Because now, the market has changed to a degree, that allows people to accept hefty contracts and no one would have any problem with it.

Sports have become a field where there is a lot of money to be had. The new age media and online presence have ensured that celebrity athletes get what they ‘deserve’ in terms of money. So a few contracts here and there are not considered a risk when there is a bigger picture to be taken into account.

And then again, there are players that are worth every penny that’s invested in them.

“Not a damn soul could complain”: Smith’s take on LeBron James

As mentioned before, James’s profits come mainly from off-court investments. But what allowed him to land such lucrative deals and start a few of his own is the LeBron name. That’s how much the world believes in him. Just the Nike lifetime contract is enough proof to understand the depth of it. What he brings to the table.

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When a slightly disgruntled KG asks his opinion on the “crazy deals” Bron signs, Stephen A.’s answer is one that is echoed by the entire world. “Somebody could sign Lebron James right now, for a billion dollars, and not a damn soul could complain. Because he deserves it!” 

He may be the ‘kid from Akron’ and yet, he has come so far from that little kid. From his partnership with Rich Paul to his active involvement in everything around him, LeBron’s voice is one people listen to. The reputation he has built not just with empty words, but actions has made him an international household name.

So yeah, not a damn soul could or would complain.

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