The Complexity of being a Great Basketball player and an even Greater Businessman.

“LeBron, in addition to a lot of other talents, he has a money mind…” – Warren Buffet

Lebron James is arguably the most powerful athlete in American sports. You could make an argument that Lebron James is a better businessman than basketball player, bringing in $50 million dollars in endorsements, on top of his average annual player salary which exceeds $30 million-dollars. Unlike any athlete before him, James has been able to balance philanthropy, being vocal on social justice issues, producing tv shows, and even acting. All while building a hall of fame resume on the basketball court. James and his agent and CEO of Klutch Sports, Rich Paul, one of the most powerful agents in the NBA, have shifted the power structure and in the process, they have transformed the NBA into the ultimate players league.

While it is impossible not to recognize Lebron James and Rich Paul’s business prowess, the media seems to have a hard time appreciating Black business men in the sports world, rather choosing to create a more negative narrative of James and his good friend. This narrative comes with false accusations, double-standards and gives off the impression that Lebron and Rich Paul are not supposed to be as involved in the business aspect of the game as they are.  

Last week, the Lakers star traveled with teammates and Rich Paul to Virginia to watch Zion Williamson and the Duke Blue Devils play against the Virginia Cavaliers. James expressed great dismay after the game in response to being accused of recruiting Williamson, by telling ESPN, “They’re only saying that because it’s Rich. When Shaq came to see me play in high school, when A.I. (Allen Iverson) came to see me play in high school, they weren’t saying it was a recruiting trip then. But because it’s Rich Paul and LeBron, now it’s a recruitment trip.” James went on to say, “Now Rich is a threat to everybody, and they look at it and they want to keep trying to jab my agent and jab my friend. And what is he doing that’s wrong? They don’t say that about no other agent when other guys go see [players]. They don’t say that about no other agent, but my guy because he’s a threat.” Lebron James and Rich Paul are major threats to the NBA’s status quo. Unfortunately, this means that the power the two wield, will result in more negative media coverage.