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Basketball moguls: 10 NBA players with side hustles off the court

NBA players are the very best in the world at what they do, and now more than ever they are some of the savviest businessmen too.

Gone are the days of athletes going broke after their playing careers. They are now investing in tech, getting into media, and buildings brands that will help prepare them for life after ball.

The scary part is that same mindset and work ethic that made them so successful on the court is starting to translate off of it. According to JackpotCity online casino, who know a thing or two about building a strong brand and hitting jackpots, these players have already done it and are expected to keep on doing so in the future.

Here’s a look at some NBA stars and their side hustles.

Jimmy Butler – Big Face Coffee 

Jimmy Butler made the most out of his time in the NBA Bubble. Not only did he help lead the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals, but he also created his coffee shop, Big Face Coffee.

Butler charged a steep price, making everyone pay $20 for various different items. He has even begun filing paperwork and seeking trademarks for Big Face Coffee merchandise. 

LeBron James – TV & Film Producer/Mogul

LeBron James has already cemented his legacy in Los Angeles after winning a championship with the Lakers. However, James has been working on a separate legacy as a producer in Hollywood.

He is the founder of the production company SpringHill Entertainment. Shows like Survivor’s Remorse, The Wall, The Shop, Space Jam 2 and countless others have all had an assist from James. 

LeBron also recently partnered with Anthony Davis, amongst many other celebrity figures, to launch Lobos 1707 Tequila.

Chris Paul – Bowling Team Owner

Chris Paul is unquestionably one of the best point guards to play the game and one of the smartest players ever. He also happens to make smart decisions off the court as well.

Paul founded L.A.X, a Los Angeles bowling team in the PBA. He is known for having a passion for bowling, setting up his own bowling tournaments for his foundation. 

Damian Lillard – Rapper

Damian Lillard skills go beyond just the basketball court. Dame Dolla is the league’s best rapper and has even released three albums.

He’s gotten himself into several rap beefs including one with Shaquille O’Neal and Marvin Bagley. There’s no doubt Lillard’s talent isn’t just limited to basketball. 

Russell Westbrook – Fashion Line

Russell Westbrook is known for his for being one of the league’s best players but also for being one of the most fashionable.

Westbrook’s unique style led him to opening his own fashion line, Honor The Gift. This led to the National Basketball Players Association giving him the “Best Side Hustle” award in 2018. 

J.J. Redick – Podcasting

J.J. Redick went from one of the most hated college basketball players of all-time to now beloved by his NBA peers.

This is evidenced by the variety of NBA guests he brings on to his podcast, The Old Man and the Three. There are always hilarious stories that come from Redick’s podcast. 

Kevin Durant – Venture Capitalist

Kevin Durant has one of the NBA’s best resumes when it comes to on the court accomplishments. It turns out his off the court portfolio isn’t too bad either. Durant has invested in various different businesses.

These include Acorn, Postmates, and his own media property, The Boardroom. His business pursuits can be found under his umbrella company, Thirty-Five Ventures. 

Stephen Curry – Golfer

Stephen Curry is the best shooter to ever walk the face of the earth. He also happens to have a pretty good shot on the golf course as well.

Having played golf since he was a kid, Curry has now had experience playing on the professional level appearing in various different tournaments in the past few years. He’s one of the world’s best two-sport athletes. 

Carmelo Anthony – Venture Capitalist

Carmelo Anthony is one of the best scorers to ever touch a basketball. As it turns out, he is also one of the smartest businessmen in the league.

On top of launching a venture capital firm, Anthony is also the primary owner of a soccer team in Puerto Rico. He is of Puerto Rican descent and also a huge soccer fan. 

James Harden – MLS Soccer Club Owner 

James Harden has spent the past 8 seasons in Houston.

Not only has he become the face of the Rockets, but he has also taken ownership stakes in the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash. The two soccer teams show the impact Harden has had in his time in Houston.