Famous NBA players have a diverse range of interests: Some go into fashion with their own clothing lines. Others play in casinos, either in tournaments or they play online. Digital play gives them more anonymity, after claiming the best online casino bonus ahead of game time. From keeping exotic pets to owning sports teams, the list of fascinating hobbies goes on.
Pau Gasol: Violin
Many NBA players enjoy listening to or playing music, but Spanish power forward Pau Gasol has one of the more unusual interests. A two-time NBA champion with the LA Lakers, Gasol has a passion for classical music.
The former pro basketball star is classically trained, and he even plays bass violin with the LA Opera. Clearly, his huge talents extend beyond the court.
Michael Jordan: Poker
The great Michael Jordan is one of many NBA players who have taken to the poker tables. A legend on the court, MJ won no fewer than six NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls before eventually retiring in 2003.
Jordan has competed in World Series of Poker events, and while his successes at the table have been modest, his presence always boosts interest in the tournament. Michael Jordan has also appeared in charity golf competitions, so he’s clearly a talented all-around sportsman.
Damian Lillard: Singing
Unlike Pau Gasol, Damian Lillard’s musical hobby is more conventional. Away from the court, he’s transformed himself into a rap artist, and his alternative career has enjoyed significant success.
After 11 years with the Portland Trail Blazers, the point guard joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, and he’s now combining two careers. Performing under the name of Dame D.O.L.L.A, Lillard has released four studio albums.
Another versatile performer, Damian Lillard also appeared as himself in the 2021 movie, Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Chris Paul: Bowling
Point Guard Chris Paul joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2024, and as he comes to the end of a long NBA career, he has made some preparations for life beyond the basketball court.
Paul loves bowling, and while he can be best described as a recreational player, he now has a serious business interest in the sport. Bowling began as a hobby where the whole Paul family could enjoy some downtime. As their interest grew, Chris Paul began to take things far more seriously.
In 2012, Chris Paul became the owner of LA-based team LAX. For now, his focus remains on basketball, but a whole new business career awaits when he retires.
Russell Westbrook: Clothing
Denver Nuggets Point Guard Russell Westbrook is a busy man: On the court, he’s appeared in nine All-Star Teams and was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2017.
Away from the sporting action, Westbrook is heavily involved in the fashion industry. His business interests began in 2015 when he became the Marketing Creative Director for the True Religion Brand.
A year later, his passion intensified when he launched Honor the Gift. A unisex clothing brand, the company now has a prominent storefront in Los Angeles.
Russell Westbrook isn’t the only NBA star to branch into fashion. Brandon Jennings, Kyle Kuzma, and Dennis Rodman are among many others to pursue this path. It’s just one of many areas where NBA players of the past and present are indulging themselves in thrilling hobbies.