Money Makers

Mo’ Money. Mo’ Problems.

       Prior to the 7:30pm tip-off between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks, legendary KCBS sports anchor, Jim Hill, answered questions from USC students. There was one important tip he stressed.

      “Wake up early, go to bed late and work like hell in between,” Hill said.

      Work ethic, dedication and passion will take you to the top. However, once you get to the top is where one problem really begins to manifest within this business. Money.

      On one side of the court, there is an injury-ridden Lakers player, Kobe Bryant, who is out tonight with a rotator cuff injury. In 2013, he signed a $48.5 million contact extension that will keep him in Los Angeles through the 2015-2016 season.

      Why was a player who has suffered through season-ending injuries the past two years awarded with such a large contract extension? Money.

      Hill explains that this sport is a business first. Bryant brings the business. Without the veteran guard present, the Staples Center struggles to fill seats. This not only affects concession sales but TV ratings and merchandise sales as well.

      The Lakers took these factors into consideration and realized it was better to feed the beast than run out of food. Keep the NBA’s No. 3 all-time leading scorer, keep money.

      On the other side of the court, Michael Carter Williams was drafted 11th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He signed a rookie contract that would guarantee him $4.5 million over his first two seasons. Some might say Williams would be set making $10 million if the Sixers picked him up for the last two seasons of his contract.

But they didn't.
  
After one season with the Sixers, the 6-foot-6, 185-pound point guard was traded to the Bucks early last week just before the trade deadline.

      "The ultimate thing it comes down to: Coach Brown coaches and Sam [Hinkie, Philadelphia general manager] does the moves," Carter-Williams said. "That is what it comes down to, that is the agreement, and that is all I know. I think if it came down to Coach Brown, I don't think I would have been moved, to be honest."

      Tonight marks Carter-William’s second game with the Bucks and the 23 year old seems to be fitting in very well as he finished with 8 points, 4 assists and 4 turnovers.

      Will the Lakers get their fourth consecutive win on Sunday. Hopefully. In the meantime, will Williams regain his momentum tomorrow night against the Utah Jazz?