Executive director of the National Basketball Players Association Billy Hunter has made it very clear that the players have been anticipating a lockout for some time. This means that the players have been expecting a potential work stoppage and have made financial arrangements to prepare for it.
Despite players being prepared for three years, according to Hunter, there are still going to be situations where the players find themselves financially strapped.
One player, who does quite well financially, is willing to help out his fellow co-workers if they find themselves in financial trouble during the lockout.
According to USA Today, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has stated that he likes the idea of “sharing in a pool of revenue to help the others get through this.” Bryant has volunteered to help others financially if the need arises, and says he is not the only player in the league who feels this way.
Bryant is currently the highest paid player in the NBA after signing a contract extension that guarantees him $83.5 million through 2014. He is also one of the most endorsed athletes in the league, earning more money through endorsement dollars than any other NBA star.