James Harden shares how NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s business acumen helped him build a $400 million fortune: "We going to put a stash of like $5 million"

Kobe Bryant’s impact on the basketball world extends far beyond his legendary career on the court. The late five-time NBA champion left an indelible mark on players like James Harden, not just with his gameplay but with his business savvy. Harden recently revealed how Bryant’s investment advice helped him grow his wealth and develop a lucrative investment portfolio, underscoring Kobe’s influence in shaping athletes into financially savvy entrepreneurs.

During an appearance on the Earn Your Leisure podcast, Harden recounted Bryant’s advice on building a collective investment fund. “Kobe basically was like, we going to put a stash of like $5 million. Any business opportunities. It might be a little $200,000, it might be $500,000... We going to put a pot together and invest our money,” Harden said.

One of the standout examples of this strategy is the BodyArmor investment, which proved transformative for both athletes. Bryant’s $6 million investment in the sports drink company skyrocketed in value after Coca-Cola acquired BodyArmor for $5.6 billion. The deal netted Bryant an astounding $400 million. Harden, who invested $500,000 in the brand, saw his stake grow exponentially, earning him over $30 million.

Beyond BodyArmor, Harden has embraced a diversified approach to investing. Over his career, he has expanded his portfolio to include health and sports-related brands, minority ownership in sports franchises like 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 highest earners, Harden has amassed over $350 million in salary alone and is set to cross $400 million by the end of the 2025-26 season, according to Spotrac. This financial success is matched by his continuing excellence on the court. Now in his 16th NBA season, the 35-year-old Los Angeles Clippers star remains a key player, recently signing a two-year, $70 million contract with a player option for 2025-26.

Also read: Top 30 most valuable NBA teams of 2024


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 that.”

By combining financial discipline with Kobe’s guidance, Harden has set himself up for sustained success, ensuring that his influence, like Bryant’s, extends far beyond the basketball court.

Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!