Anthony Davis was among the Lakers players who had promotional appearances canceledNBAE/getty images
Among the fallout of the controversy that surrounded the Lakers' trip to China last week is that a "seven-figure payday went out the window" for one player from a potential sponsor, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com. Sources said that the player "had agreed to a $1 million endorsement deal with a Chinese company prior to the trip." However, it was pulled once the Lakers landed in the country. Additionally, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma and Rajon Rondo were among the Lakers players who "had appearances canceled." James had visited China for 15 straight summers "but skipped it this year to complete the filming of 'Space Jam 2,' anticipating that the China Games would serve as a substitute." However, some of his "most important appearances of the year -- including two with Nike and one with Beats by Dre -- were canceled during this trip" (ESPN.com, 10/15).
LEBRON'S SPONSORS QUIET: In N.Y., Tamar Lapin notes James' sponsors are "staying mum" amid the reaction to his comments from earlier this week. Nike "didn't respond to multiple requests for comments about James' statements" (N.Y. POST, 10/16). Meanwhile, a Beats by Dre spokesperson declined to comment on both James' comments or on the company's "marketing and merchandising partnership with the NBA" (WWD.com, 10/15).
