"Put a stash of like $5 million" - James Harden reveals how Kobe Bryant's business savvy netted $400 million investment portfolio for 5X NBA Champion

James Harden knows firsthand the influence that the late Kobe Bryant had on several NBA players. Harden opened up on his relationship with Bryant and revealed the sound investment advice he received that helped set him on the path to building a lucrative portfolio during an episode of the "Earn Your Leisure" podcast from Nov. 22.

"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," said Harden. "BodyArmor was the beginning of that."

The BodyArmor deal turned into a massive payday for both Bryant and Harden. Per the Daily Mail, Bryant had invested $6 million in the company and Harden went in for a smaller percentage that was valued at $500,000. When the company was acquired by Coca-Cola for $5.6 billion, Bryant netted $400,000 million while Harden's $500k investment would have earned him north of $30 million.

Over the years, James Harden has expanded his portfolio. He has invested in several health and sports-related brands and even diversified his portfolio by taking a minority ownership in sports franchises like the MLS's Houston Dynamo and the NWSL's Houston Dash. In 2022, Harden jumped into the alcohol sector, entering the wine industry with his own label.

James Harden made over $350 million in salary over his NBA career

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden dribbles the ball against the Utah Jazz at Intuit Dome. Photo Credit: Imagn

At 35 years old, James Harden continues to put up big numbers in the NBA. The Los Angeles Clippers star is in his 16th season.

In June, Harden re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $70 million contract with a player option for the 2025-26 season. Per Spotrac, Harden will earn a whopping $372 million in salary through the 2024-25 season. That number would cross the $400 million mark if Harden were to return next season.