Home of football statistics and historyMany NBA stars regularly show interest in other leagues and sports around the world, and that is certainly the case where the world’s most popular sport, football, is concerned.
The likes of James Harden has even taken his love for football a step further in recent years, acquiring a stake in the MLS and NWSL clubs that play in Houston.
Past NBA players such as Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash also enjoyed strong links with football, further highlighting its popularity amongst the basketball fraternity.
Read on as we take a closer look at four NBA players from past and present, and reveal which teams they follow in football.
Kevin Garnett
According to this list by TwinSpires, Garnett is ranked as one of the best defensive players ever to grace a court in the NBA.
The former Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets star enjoyed a stellar career in top-class basketball, winning the title with the Celtics in 2008.
Garnett has also held a long-standing interest in Chelsea, having latched onto the club when it played a series of exhibition games in the United States.
He also struck up a friendship with legendary striker Didier Drogba and continues to passionately follow the fortunes of the Premier League outfit.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks forward grew up playing football in Greece and loved watching Arsenal whenever he got the opportunity.
The two-time MVP was drawn to the Gunners during Arsene Wenger’s tenure as manager, with their style of play proving to be an attractive proposition.
Antetokounmpo also enjoys playing the FIFA series of video games and generally starts off his career with Arsenal.
He has also built up a rapport with Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic through their mutual love of FIFA. He is also friends with Paris Saint-Germain pair Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
LeBron James
James visited Anfield for the first time in 2011, watching Liverpool draw 1-1 with rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ star is a minority shareholder in the club and has made no secret of his passion for the Merseyside giants.
Some cynics have suggested that James’ interest in Liverpool is a marriage of convenience, with owners Fenway Sports Group handing him a small stake in return for becoming his exclusive worldwide marketing representative.
However, he appears to be genuinely interested in the club’s on-field progress and has watched the team on numerous occasions over the past few years.
Pau Gasol
Gasol was born in Barcelona, so it comes as no surprise to discover that he is a massive supporter of the La Liga giants.
The two-time NBA champion played for the club’s basketball team as a youngster before heading to the United States.
Gasol cemented his allegiance to Barca in 2019, signing an agreement to use his relationships and experience in the US to boost the club’s brand.
The deal includes an innovative collaboration between the Barca and Gasol Foundations to set up joint charity programs to help at-risk children.
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