Kobe Bryant’s impact on the basketball world extends far beyond his legendary career on the court. The late one five-time NBA champion left an indelible mark on players James Hardennot only with its gameplay but also with its business acumen. Harden recently revealed how Bryant’s investment advice helped him grow his wealth and build a lucrative investment portfolio, underscoring Kobe’s influence in turning athletes into financially savvy entrepreneurs.
During an appearance on the Earn Your Leisure podcast, Harden shared Bryant’s advice on building a collective investment fund. “Kobe basically said we would build a stockpile of about $5 million. All business opportunities. It could be a couple of $200,000, it could be $500,000… We’ll put together a pot and invest our money.” Harden said.
One of the standout examples of this strategy is the investment in BodyArmor, which proved transformative for both athletes. Bryant’s $6 million investment in the sports drink company skyrocketed after Coca-Cola acquired BodyArmor for $5.6 billion. The deal netted Bryant a staggering $400 million. Harden, who invested $500,000 in the brand, saw his stake grow exponentially, earning him over $30 million.

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Beyond BodyArmor, Harden takes a diversified investment approach. Over the course of his career, he has expanded his portfolio to include health and sports brands, minority investments in sports franchises such as the MLS’s Houston Dynamo and the NWSL’s Houston Dash, and even his own wine label in the alcohol sector.
As one of the NBA’s top earners, Harden has amassed a salary of over $350 million alone and is expected to surpass $400 million by the end of the 2025-26 season, according to Spotrac. This financial success has been matched by his continued excellence on the pitch. The 35-year-old Los Angeles Clippers star remains a key player in his 16th NBA season and recently signed a two-year, $70 million contract with a player option for 2025-26.
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Kobe Bryant’s legacy continues to inspire a generation of athletes to think beyond basketball. Harden’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the value of strategic investing. As Harden puts it: “BodyArmor was the beginning of it.”
By combining financial discipline and Kobe’s guidance, Harden has set himself up for sustained success and ensured that his influence, like Bryant’s, extends far beyond the basketball court.