There are a lot of factors that go into deciding where your next NBA home is going to be. For All-Star wingman Paul George , first, he had to be where he could get the best chance of winning an NBA title. Now 34, PG is no longer a spring chicken and needs to maximize the remaining years of his prime to pursue the pinnacle of his pro career.
Second was finances, and this is where rapper and actor Lil Dicky played a significant role, as Paul revealed it was his words that ultimately helped him decide to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers .
Importance of being wise with finances
One pitfall some pro athletes encounter is being overwhelmed with their money, unaware of how to manage and invest it properly. This can lead to financial troubles later in life, even after their playing careers have ended. One example is All-Star forward Antoine Walker, who went into debt after his rookie season due to unnecessary spending.
Lil Dicky—Dave Burd in real life—was asked to take part in the Sixers' video pitch to PG, highlighting the team's young talent and potential. But it was his message that resonated with George the most. In the video, Lil Dicky talked about Philly being a place where the talented two-way wingman could get the most value for his money.
"I'm from Philadelphia, and I know where your dollar goes in Philadelphia. I have a house in L.A., and if I spent the same amount of money on that house in Philadelphia, it would be like a hundred times bigger," the 36-year-old emphasized .
Being an entertainer, Lil Dicky spends most of his time in Los Angeles, so he knows full well how expensive it can be to live in the "City of Angels." From real estate to taxes, the cost of living in L.A. is significantly higher compared to other major cities like Philadelphia.
"Your bang for your buck goes so much further in Philadelphia. A $2 million home in LA is cool, but if you spend $2 million on a house in Philadelphia, it's like a mega mansion," the man behind the hit song "Freaky Friday," shared.
Related: "Jerry and I gave him his going-away present - When Jerry Krause gave Scottie Pippen a $20 million parting gift
Ability to choose
After declining his $48 million player option, the six-time All-NBA team member faced a difficult choice: stay with the Clippers and be in his hometown, or try his luck with a Sixers squad with two All-Stars in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, PG said it was Lil Dicky's part in the pitch video that resonated with him the most.
"What hit me was saving money. It really impacted me; it had a touch on me," PG said.
According to the rapper, he minced no words in describing his financial situation, comparing his current residence to what it could be if he lived full-time in the "City of Brotherly Love." However, unlike PG, Lil Dicky said he doesn't have a choice in where he has to live, seeing as his job requires him to be in Los Angeles.
"I know, I said my house is like $3 million. Here's what it looks like in L.A.—it's cool, it's nice. Here's exactly what $3 million gets you in Philadelphia. Honestly, it's sickening to me that I could have this money here and it's that, and if I had it there, it's that. You have the ability to choose. I don't have that choice; I have to live in LA," Lil Dicky remarked.
It's safe to say the pitch worked to perfection. Paul George eventually signed a four-year contract that would pay him a massive $212 million.
Related: "My way of idolizing Kobe" - Paul George explains why he chose to wear No. 8 in Philly
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