‘Incredibly Proud to Call Her My Partner’ – LeBron James Praises Naomi Osaka After Their New Partnership Deal

Former World No.1 Naomi Osaka is collaborating with Los Angeles Lakers star and 4-time NBA Champion LeBron James. Their new partnership aims to cross cultural stereotypes around the world. James’ The SpringHill Company will partner in the operations and financing side alongside Osaka.

Osaka, who has not been at her impressive best on the court, is making a name globally outside of the WTA Tour. This comes after Osaka started a new sports agency with agent Stuart Duguid called EVOLVE.

LeBron James praises Naomi Osaka after new partnership

LeBron James, who has played in the NBA for nearly two decades, was excited to team up with the Japanese star. In a tweet, James explained his delight in joining Osaka in this new venture. He said, “There’s reason we call ourselves an Empowerment Company.”

“This incredible woman and the stories she is going to bring to life is EXACTLY what we about!!! Incredibly proud to call her my partner. @naomiosaka@makespringhill #MoreThananAthlete,” he added.

ALSO READ: ‘Make Unique Perspectives Feel Universal’ – Naomi Osaka Joins Hands With LeBron James in a Whole New Venture

The Japanese star’s new venture with James named Hana Kuma, translating to “flower bear,” will bring stories that are “culturally specific but universal to all audiences” with many projects already lined up. Aged 22, Osaka became the highest-paid female athlete in the world, earning approximately $37 million in endorsements.

Osaka’s disappointing 2022

The Japanese superstar has fallen off the top in the rankings. After a sensational last few years, winning 4 Grand Slam titles in quick succession, she has failed to maintain any sort of consistency this season. Her best performance was at the Miami Open, reaching the final but losing to World No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

Watch this story- ‘End His Career There’ – Nikolay Davydenko Makes Huge Prediction on Roger Federer’s Career

Osaka was also knocked out in the third round in Melbourne, followed by a first-round exit at Roland Garros last month. She is currently at 42nd in the WTA rankings, owing to poor performances. The Japanese will also skip Wimbledon, with an Achilles injury. She is hopeful to return for the US Open in August.