NBA star James Harden has revealed that Kobe Bryant gave him life-changing advice.

Bryant became a legend on the court, winning five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, but it appears his influence extended far beyond basketball.

The late NBA icon was also a shrewd businessman who passed on his market knowledge to his colleagues, as Harden now reveals.

The Clippers star shared that Bryant gave him advice that changed the way he handles his finances.

“Kobe told me, ‘Let’s put aside $5 million.’ “Any time an opportunity arises – whether it’s $200,000 or $500,000 – we’re going to draw from that pot and invest,” Harden explained Earn your free time Podcast.

Not only did Bryant encourage Harden to start an investment fund, but his influence ensured that the 35-year-old put the strategic plan into action.

James Harden (l.) revealed that Kobe Bryant (r.) gave him life-changing advice

The Clippers star shared that Bryant encouraged him to invest $500,000 in BodyArmor

Bryant had already invested $6 million in BodyArmor for a 10 percent stake in 2014 and Harden followed suit.

Harden invested $500,000 of his own funds into the sports drink brand, which turned into an incredible windfall as the company’s success skyrocketed.

In 2021, CocaCola acquired BodyArmor for $5.6 billion, turning Bryant’s investment into an incredible $400 million and a significant return for Harden as well.

But Bryant’s financial tutelage didn’t end there. His influence left a lasting impression on Harden, who continued to take Bryant’s advice to heart.

Harden has adopted Bryant’s teachings about converting basketball success into business acumen and long-term prosperity.

He has built an impressive portfolio, including partial ownership of MLS team Houston Dynamo and its NWSL equivalent Houston Dash (NWSL), as well as investments in companies like Therabody.

Harden admitted he feels a responsibility to succeed him and continue Bryant’s mentorship after his death.

“Kobe’s legacy is really hard to carry on because he was truly one of a kind,” Harden said. “But I try to get involved creatively and move things forward.”

Bryant had an impressive portfolio of his own, investing in Alibaba, Dell and Epic Games, among others, and founded his own production company, Granity Studios.