Ex-Lakers Star Was Warned With $100,000 Fine Only to Prevent $50,000 Deal

Former Los Angeles Lakers champion Robert Horry was reportedly warned with a hefty fine to prevent him from accepting a significantly smaller endorsement deal. While the NBA has not commented on this story so far, let’s dive deep and share the experience of Horry.

Robert Horry recently in his podcast Big Shot Bob, shares his experience during the playoff season while he was playing for the Lakers. Horry was offered a deal from Discovery to put on their logo. The report alleges that Horry was offered a $50,000 endorsement deal, but before he could sign the contract, he was contacted by a representative of the National Basketball Association (NBA) who informed him that if he proceeded with the deal, he would be fined $100,000.

Horry further went on to discuss how strict the NBA was regarding the uniforms and jerseys for the players. The NBA’s reasoning behind potentially fining Horry for the endorsement deal is unclear. The league reportedly has marketing restrictions in place for retired players, but the specifics of these restrictions are not readily available to the public.

Former Lakers’ Star Career

Horry’s journey began at the University of Alabama, where he established himself as a defensive force and helped the Crimson Tide win three Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournament titles. Drafted 11th overall by the Houston Rockets in 1992, Horry quickly adapted to the professional game, contributing to the Rockets’ back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. His clutch three-pointer in Game 3 of the 1995 Finals against the Orlando Magic is a prime example of his ability to deliver in pressure situations.

Horry’s career took him through Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Antonio, winning two more championships with the Lakers alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, and two more with the San Antonio Spurs under the legendary coach Gregg Popovich. Remarkably, Horry has the distinction of never losing an NBA Finals series, a feat unmatched by any other player in the modern era.

Read More: Alienated From Superteams, Allen Iverson Discloses the Impossible Dream to Shaquille O’Neal

While his scoring average never surpassed 7 points per game, Horry’s value went far beyond the stat sheet. He was a versatile defender, a reliable three-point shooter, and most importantly, a player who thrived in the biggest moments. His clutch performances earned him a reputation as one of the greatest role players and winners in NBA history.

The incident has sparked debate and speculation about the NBA’s treatment of its retired players. Some critics argue that the league is unfairly restricting the ability of retired players to capitalize on their name and likeness. Others argue that the league has a legitimate interest in protecting its brand and ensuring that retired players are not associated with products or services that could damage the league’s reputation.

Read More: 72YO Millionaire’s LeBron Humiliation Backfires After Ex-Suns’ Superstar Calls Out Glaring Hypocrisy