While your average NBA player relies on a league check, super-ballers like LeBron James and about 10 other players will be earning at least that much in off-court endorsements, whether they play or not.
According to Forbes, James is at the top of that list — he’ll receive around $33 million in endorsements for the season — roughly twice his NBA salary.
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will also bring in the massive endorsement ~~bucks~~ GWOP earning about $28 million in off-court endorsements.
James’ teammate D-Wade will also receive about $12 million in endorsements.
Endorsements come from phone companies, energy drinks, sneakers and more.

President set to hold “Obama Classic” Basketball Game

By GWOP

November 19, 2011

Barack Obama

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President Obama set to hold an exhibition basketball game featuring some of the NBA’s top stars on Dec. 12th 2011.

Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin and Wizards guard John Wall are among the players who have committed to play, according to the Obama campaign Web site. Tickets for the first “Obama Classic” start at $100 and courtside seats can be purchased for $5,000.

Proceeds from the game will go to the Obama Victory Fund to support the president’s 2012 reelection campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

Checkout the Point Guard of the United States of America’s highlight reel below:

#OBAMA 2012 Read More

Ball So Hard

By GWOP

November 15, 2011

GWOP

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source: Life+Times

With Michael Jordan’s dominance throughout the ’90s providing a spark, the basketball culture in Chicago has recently dominated that of other sports in the city, one where the Cubs and Bears also call home. Chicago has also come to rival and in some regards, surpass, other basketball capitals such as N.Y.C. and L.A. in producing local talent the likes of Dwayne Wade and Derrick Rose, the latter of which now leads a young, resurgent Bulls squad. Here, in our first documentary, Life+Times follows a select crop of the city’s youngsters—high school sophomores Tyquone Greer, Jahlil Okafor, and Paul White—with the potential to carry on in the city’s rich legacy.

Also featuring famed NBA trainer Tim Grover, Chicago basketball scout Daniel Poneman, and Oak Park product and New York Knicks’ 2011 first-round draft pick, Iman Shumpert.

GWOP History: 20 years ago today Earvin “Magic” Johnson announces he has HIV

By GWOP

November 7, 2011

Earvin Johnson

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source: WXYZ

20 years ago, Earvin “Magic” Johnson shocked the world when he announced he was HIV-positive and would retire from the NBA.

At the time, little was known about the disease and it wasn’t clear how much time the basketball superstar had left.

Over the years, Johnson has become a spokesperson for HIV awareness and prevention. The Magic Johnson Foundation is launching a new initiative today called ‘Point Forward Day.” It will kick off with a special event featuring Johnson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

A Michigan native, Johnson grew up in Lansing and played basketball at MSU. During the 1978-79 season, MSU defeated Indiana State 75-64 in the NCAA Champioship game. Johnson as voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

Basketball Never Stops: LeBron Shine

By GWOP

November 6, 2011

lebron james

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For those who love the game like LeBron, Basketball Never Stops. Because players know hardwork and dedication are what the game’s built on no matter the time, day or night.