Chapter 819: Chapter 819
A few days later, Hansen went to Los Angeles. Kobe’s Mamba Academy officially launched a large-scale training camp in its second year.
This time, many stars came to support it, such as Leonard, Paul George, Irving, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Hield, Little Thomas, and others.
When Hansen arrived, Kobe personally went to the airport to greet him.
Compared to others, Hansen’s presence was the greatest help to Kobe.
After getting into the car, seeing Kobe sit in the driver’s seat, Hansen realized something.
"Where’s your helicopter?"
Kobe had opted to drive because last time Hansen mentioned he didn’t take helicopters?
"I think you made a good point last time." Kobe said, placing his hand on the steering wheel.
It seems he not only agreed with Hansen but also wanted to take control himself.
I can only say, that’s very Kobe.
During the hour-long drive, they talked about many things.
"What do you plan to do after retiring?" Kobe, who was already working on post-retirement plans, asked Hansen.
"Maybe enjoy life well or become a team owner," Hansen knew Kobe wasn’t one to spread rumors.
"Being an owner nowadays requires a lot of money." Clearly, Kobe had similar thoughts.
However, as Hansen previously thought, buying a team before 2016 was most suitable.
In 2010, Jordan bought the then-called Bobcats for 175 million dollars, but now the Hornets’ valuation is 1.25 billion, a sevenfold increase in just eight years.
The Hornets are considered one of the League’s lowest-valued teams; Hansen would need around a billion to become a major owner.
And such money can’t be earned solely by playing basketball.
Kobe’s entire career earnings, including off-court, totaled about five to six hundred million.
"I heard you and James Harden made quite a bit of money together." Hansen smoothly transitioned the conversation to business with Kobe. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝖓𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖑~𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖾~𝖓𝖊𝖙
Although he couldn’t remember the specifics, Hansen recalled something like that happening.
"That was just some pocket change." Kobe nodded with a smile, "But I think you could try striking for equity instead of money in some endorsement deals."
Kobe offered some advice, and Hansen nodded.
Speaking of which, Jordan made a fortune from Nike dividends, and O’Neal’s Google shares investment is well known.
Hansen’s time-travel point was late, and he missed those classic cases, plus at the beginning, he didn’t have enough money to invest.
Being a basketball trainer in his past life, he didn’t have much business acumen, leaving it to Rondo to handle while his off-court earnings mainly came from endorsements.
He currently has a net worth of four to five hundred million, but reaching a billion or more isn’t easy.
However, what Kobe said was already in his plans. His third endorsement contract with UA expires next summer, and if he re-signs, he plans to secure equity like Jordan did.
"But being an owner isn’t just about having money." Kobe continued, pointing out another difficulty.
Hansen chuckled and nodded, but didn’t elaborate further.
The reason he was swayed by Vivek’s offer wasn’t just money, but also the opportunity.
The skyrocketing NBA team values, unless faced with irresistible external forces, like Sterling (racial discrimination) and Prokhorov (political), owners wouldn’t sell the teams.
But since Hansen had already conceived such ideas, he naturally already had other plans.
They just weren’t suitable to share with Kobe.
With many stars attending, Kobe’s current official Mamba Academy had significant influence.
Unquestionably, despite it being the second edition, this one truly put the academy on the map.
When Hansen returned from Los Angeles, Lue also arrived back in Sacramento, bringing good news that Van Gundy would report to Sacramento after handling his ESPN contract.
Although Hansen knew Lue was adept at networking, he couldn’t help but give Lue a thumbs up.
In a way, Lue indeed suited the head coach role better, as a team’s leader’s crucial skill is managing the team and people, not just personal capability.
"So how did you convince him?" Hansen couldn’t help but be curious.
"Thanks to what you said, he didn’t want to miss such a great opportunity."
Lue’s answer pleased Hansen, though he knew that probably wasn’t the main reason, given his knowledge of Lue.
"What else?" Hansen asked further.
Seeing Hansen’s inquiry, Lue chuckled and said, "Someone who wakes up every day at 5 am to study tactics, eating, sleeping, and even breathing basketball, must love coaching."
Hearing this, Hansen nodded.
That sounded like a more reliable reason. Van Gundy and Thibodeau are both known workaholics among coaches.
However, speaking of which, Lue’s first reason wasn’t entirely false generosity; after all, with Van Gundy’s ability, job opportunities aren’t hard to come by.
By now, it was late July, and the free agency market was nearing its end.
During this period, the Kings’ biggest signing was acquiring Javale McGee with a veteran’s minimum, and he was to be the team’s backup center.