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LeBron James is the only active NBA player who is a billionaire. One of the reasons is his lifetime deal with Nike. An ex-NBA player has claimed that "The King" received $1 billion from Nike to keep his mouth shut about alleged human rights violations in China.
Meanwhile, the fallout from the leaked video of Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole continues. Celebrity boxer Jake Paul has offered Green $10 million to take his talents into the squared circle. Paul is not interested in fighting Green but thinks he can beat the Golden State Warriors star.
On that note, here's the latest NBA news roundup for October 8 brought to you by Sportskeeda:
Bobby Portis upset about his name being used in Draymond Green-Jordan Poole situation
Draymond Green's vicious punch on Jordan Poole at practice has taken over the NBA less than two weeks before the start of the season. With the video of Green's punch being leaked to the public, the fallout from the situation has started. One unwarranted casualty is Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Portis' name was mentioned as an example of a player punching a teammate. He punched then-teammate Nikola Mirotic during a practice session for the Chicago Bulls. The NBA suspended him for eight games, while Mirotic missed 23 games due to the facial injuries he suffered.
The Bucks big man is upset that he's being used as an example, as it's a different situation. Mirotic charged at Portis twice before he was floored with a punch. Portis' reputation was tarnished by the incident, but he has turned things around since joining the Bucks.
Former NBA player claims Nike gave LeBron James $1 billion to keep his mouth shut about China
Former NBA player Royce White has accused LeBron James of receiving $1 billion from Nike to stay silent about apparent issues in China.
Several human rights organizations have called out China for their treatment of the Uyghur people. Nike is one of many companies linked to alleged forced labor factories in China.
"LeBron James was given a billion dollars by Nike, the establishment, anti-human, neo-liberal, Marxist, globalist establishment, which is also church of LGBTQ," White said on the "Free Game Sports" podcast.
"He was given this billion dollars to keep his mouth shut about the single greatest humanitarian crisis of our generation. That is the two million people being placed in the concentration camps in China for no other crime other than being Muslim.
He continued:
"Now, he won't speak on that. Why? Number one, it's an economic injustice that he's done to take that payoff to shut his mouth because really, he should have asked Nike for $40 billion. He should have got at least $500 million a year, if not a billion dollars a year because Nike makes $40 billion of revenue a year. He represents at least 1/40th of their commercial value and influence."
White's claims about James are baseless, but it's true that the LA Lakers superstar has been silent about Nike's situation in China. That's the same reason why Enes Kanter Freedom called out James, as well as Michael Jordan, last season.
Joel Embiid being courted by France and Team USA for upcoming 2024 Olympics
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers was born in Cameroon but holds French and American citizenship. Embiid became a citizen of the United States last month. That means he could play for France or USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Team USA and France are trying their best to recruit the Sixers superstar. Embiid would make the Americans more formidable, while joining France would make them challengers for the gold medal.
There were reports earlier this year that Embiid would choose to play for France in the FIBA World Cup next year. That was until he officially became an American citizen.
Jake Paul offers Draymond Green $10M for boxing match
A video of Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole into oblivion has taken over the NBA. The Golden State Warriors might have downplayed the situation, but it looks serious. While many were critical of Green, someone was ready to offer him the opportunity to use his fists legally.
YouTuber and undefeated boxer Jake Paul has offered Green $10 million to enter the squared circle. Paul wants him to box under his Most Valuable Promotions, but no opponent was named. It may or may not be a serious offer, but Paul knows how to get people talking.
Paul has a 5-0 record as a pro boxer, with wins over former NBA Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson, and MMA fighters, Ben Askren and Tyrone Woodley. He will face Anderson Silva later this month, which could be his toughest test to date.
Jamal Murray exits preseason game due to hamstring injury
Jamal Murray exited his second preseason game since returning from an ACL injury with a hamstring problem. Murray limped into the locker room against the Chicago Bulls on Friday. The Denver Nuggets said it was due to left thigh soreness, but Murray clarified that it was hamstring cramp.
"It was frustrating, but it's OK," Murray said. "It's just a cramp. It's not like it was a pull, nothing serious. My body hasn't had this much since training camp, three-hour practices and all that. I guess I'm just adjusting to the workload, that's all."
Nuggets fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The 25-year-old guard missed all of last season while recovering from a knee injury. He's an important player for a Nuggets team with NBA championship aspirations this season.
