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Bronny James, Whose Father LeBron James Is A Billionaire, Is Worth $7.2 Million, Making Him The Wealthiest HS Athlete

"Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Match Wilt Chamberlain": Staggering Stat Demonstrates The Greek Freak's Dominance is on Par With The Big Dipper

“Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Match Wilt Chamberlain”: Staggering Stat Demonstrates The Greek Freak’s Dominance is on Par With The Big Dipper

Lewis Hamilton Doubles Down on Blaming Mercedes for Woeful 2023 Year Start

“It Would Have Been a Real Special Thing” – Will Stone Cold Steve Austin Make WWE Return to Face John Cena?

Like every major sporting league, a majority of the NBA's revenue is derived from the popularity of its biggest stars. It isn't beyond one's imagination to state that there are players who are in fact bigger than certain institutions even.  The marketability of the league was on a downward slope when player power was advocated for. All of that changed in the 1980s. With the advent of flashier, crowd-pleasing athletes and David Stern's vision, the league was instantly a better product for the masses. Thus arose the era of stardom in the NBA. This was marked by the beginning of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird's dominance of the league. Both of them being one club men also aided the growth of their teams too - a fact that wasn't lost on Dr. Buss at least. It is said that the former Lakers owner paid $14 million to Magic Johnson upon his retirement. This wasn't out of sympathy either and served as an expression of his gratitude to his star. Magic's influence on the LA franchise certainly cannot be understated. But, if there was ever a player who did more for a franchise and its perception than Magic, it was His Airness, Michael Jordan. However, not all relationships are as rosy as Magic's and Dr. Buss'. Michael Jordan, despite all that he brought to the Chicago franchise, left with nothing beyond his contractually obligated earnings. Also read: Unable To Make “Trillions” Off Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson’s ‘Lost’ $5.2 Billion Still Led To A $1 Billion Empire The relationship between Michael Jordan and Jerry Reinsdorf suffered "tremendously" over time. While Dr. Buss and Magic shared a relationship akin to a father-son relationship, Jordan and Reinsdorf had a major falling out. After being close initially, it is believed that the Scottie Pippen - Phil Jackson feud factored in the same. Pippen had his fair share of issues with Phil Jackson. From refusing to be subbed in after a play wasn't drawn for him, to labeling him "racist", their differences are well recorded. The organization's stability was hurt, and Jordan was also dragged into the same.  Naturally, the team owner wasn't best pleased with what was happening. No rewards, therefore, awaited the group which made it difficult to keep the ship sailing.  "The record reflects that the Bulls extended no great largesse to Jordan in recognition of the wealth he brought the team’s shareholders. Lakers owner Jerry Buss, for example, paid $14 million to Magic Johnson upon his retirement, in part to express gratitude for leading the team to five NBA championships and helping to greatly increase the franchise’s worth. Buss and Johnson, however, had what has been described as something akin to a father-son relationship, whereas the once strong Reinsdorf-Jordan relationship had suffered tremendously with the feud over Pippen and Jackson, to the point that Reinsdorf promptly spurned Jordan once he retired from playing" recorded Roland Lazenby in Michael Jordan: The Life. Michael Jordan received such treatment despite helping the franchise grow twenty-folds in evaluation. While Reinsdorf might have had his reasons, the cold shoulder treatment certainly seems harsh. After all, the franchise and anything of value associated with it, has MJ to thank. Without Jordan, there would be no banners atop the United Center. The franchise would have probably continued in mediocrity along the Eastern Conference.  But after their draft day decision in 1984, the team saw only new heights being scaled. In the 14 years since when they were associated with MJ, it was an exclusively upwards trek. In simple monetary terms, the franchise skyrocketed in value from $16 million to $307 million. An incredible 20-fold leap. Add six championships to that and it clearly wasn't just marketability doing its thing. There was success, there was attention, and Chicago was the apple of the NBA's eye. His Airness reigned supreme in the Windy City. Not in Jerry Reinsdorf's perspective though, it would appear.  Also read: “Are Michael Jordan and his Bulls Bad for the NBA?”: Shocking Opinion About MJ’s Dominance In His Prime Resurfaces

Warwickshire

“That’s why I am here”: Jayant Yadav looking to use County experience with Warwickshire to make comeback in Indian test squad

“I can’t wait to join up with the Bears squad”: Mohammed Siraj signs with Warwickshire to play three County Championship matches

“I can’t wait to join up with the Bears squad”: Mohammed Siraj signs with Warwickshire to play three County Championship matches

Cheteshwar Pujara batting highlights: C Pujara century video in Warwickshire vs Sussex Royal London Cup match

Cheteshwar Pujara batting highlights: C Pujara century video in Warwickshire vs Sussex Royal London Cup match

“I’m delighted to return home”: Moeen Ali leaves Worcestershire to join Warwickshire for the next three County seasons

“I’m delighted to return home”: Moeen Ali leaves Worcestershire to join Warwickshire for the next three County seasons

“Still doesn’t look real”: Stuart Broad all praise for Brian Lara on his 501 not out anniversary

“Still doesn’t look real”: Stuart Broad all praise for Brian Lara on his 501 not out anniversary

Danny Briggs contract extension: The left-arm spinner signs a deal with Warwickshire till 2024

Danny Briggs contract extension: The left-arm spinner signs a deal with Warwickshire till 2024

Ben Stokes: English all-rounder returns to first-class cricket in Warwickshire vs Durham County Championship 2021 match

Ben Stokes: English all-rounder returns to first-class cricket in Warwickshire vs Durham County Championship 2021 match

DUR vs WAS Head to Head Records in T20 Blast | Durham vs Birmingham Stats | Vitality T20 Blast 2021

DUR vs WAS Head to Head Records in T20 Blast | Durham vs Birmingham Stats | Vitality T20 Blast 2021

Hanuma Vihari catch vs Nottinghamshire: Indian batsman grabs splendid catch to dismiss Steven Mullaney on Warwickshire debut

Hanuma Vihari catch vs Nottinghamshire: Indian batsman grabs splendid catch to dismiss Steven Mullaney on Warwickshire debut

Warwickshire cricket: Hanuma Vihari set for county debut after Warwickshire deal

Warwickshire cricket: Hanuma Vihari set for county debut after Warwickshire deal

Jamie Overton smashes maiden first-class century vs Warwickshire in Bob Willis Trophy

Jamie Overton smashes maiden first-class century vs Warwickshire in Bob Willis Trophy

Ian Bell catch: Watch veteran Warwickshire player grabs blinder to dismiss Northamptonshire’s Charlie Thurston

Ian Bell catch: Watch veteran Warwickshire player grabs blinder to dismiss Northamptonshire’s Charlie Thurston

Ian Bell commits to one-year extension at Warwickshire

Ian Bell commits to one-year extension at Warwickshire

Tim Bresnan to represent Warwickshire in county cricket

Tim Bresnan to represent Warwickshire in county cricket

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