“$15M to Help Get a Generation of Kids Hooked on Gambling”: Former NBA Executive ‘Shames’ LeBron James Over Polymarket Deal

Former NBA executive Haralabos Voulgaris called out LeBron James for his latest deal with predictions market giant Polymarket. The four-time NBA champion decided to continue his NBA journey with the Philadelphia 76ers starting this season. While his deal with the Sixers gives him $4 million, the Polymarket contract will be worth $15 million per year. Voulgaris presented an interesting theory.

James took a significant cut in his salary to play for a dominant squad like the 76ers with a real chance to bag a championship. King James seemingly wants to end his career with another title in his bag. Meanwhile, he is looking to add to that bag through deals like with Polymarket.

Voulgaris took a dig at James on X:

“$15m to help get a generation of kids hooked on gambling is a choice. LeShame.”

Voulgaris was also a popular NBA sports bettor before he joined the Dallas Mavericks as the director of quantitative research and development. Meanwhile, NBA players joining the predictions market has happened before with Giannis Antetokounmpo, which also garnered criticism from a section of fans.

James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey look like a winning combination on paper. Moreover, VJ Edgecombe adds a perfect touch of enforcer-type skills. The Sixers will be eyeing a successful campaign in the 2026-27 NBA season.

LeBron James’ former teammate Dwyane Wade talked about his personal life and the NBA on the “Conversations With Cam Podcast.” While discussing the highly popular move by King James, he made a short and cryptic comment:

“I don’t think we’ve seen the end of what this move is. I think it’s more to this move. And so, I’ll just leave it at that.”

Wade didn’t explain his take further, but how well James’ decision fares will only be known once the regular season tips off on Oct. 20, when the Sixers will play the defending champions, the New York Knicks.

Kyrie Irving Pledges to Pay Azeez Al-Shaair’s $11,492 NFL Fine Following Hind Rajab Tribute

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!