Former Manchester schoolboy John Amaechi: “I turned down $17m from the LA Lakers - but I’ve got zero regrets”
Basketball legend John Amaechi OBE, the first Briton to establish a career in the NBA, has revealed how a commitment to his principles led him to turn down a guaranteed $17 million contract offer from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Speaking at a recent event organised by Champions Speakers, Amaechi, now a leading motivational speaker, explained why he chose to remain with the Orlando Magic in 2000, despite receiving a far more lucrative offer from one of basketball’s most famous franchises.
The former NBA star said the decision continues to shape his work today as an organisational psychologist and leadership speaker, where trust and integrity are central themes.
Asked what his word was worth, Amaechi, who used to attend Stockport Grammar School, said: “There is an answer, and that answer is $17 million.
“I turned down a $17 million contract from the LA Lakers to stay with the Orlando Magic, and it wasn't about loyalty, because I don't believe in loyalty.
“I think loyalty is wonderfully transactional – if you do this for me, I'll do this for you. But I do believe in principles. They're far more enduring.”
Amaechi explained that Orlando was the only NBA team willing to offer him an opportunity when he was trying to establish himself in the league.
He said: “I had been given an opportunity by an Orlando team. It was the only team in the NBA willing to give me a contract, and a coach in Doc Rivers who believed in me.
“They did me a favour and I am principled. To me, that meant I stayed with this team, regardless of the fact that I knew I would probably get dumped at the end of the year – which is exactly what happened.”
While the decision cost him millions of dollars, Amaechi said it has become one of the defining examples of integrity that he shares with leaders and organisations around the world.
“Now my life is talking to people about really serious, difficult problems,” he said.
“People ask me regularly, ‘Can you be trusted? What’s your word worth?’
“I tell them this story and tell them about $17 million. To most people, that is assuring.”
Since retiring from professional basketball, Amaechi has built an international reputation as an organisational psychologist, advising businesses on leadership, culture and performance.
Reflecting on the lasting impact of his decision, he said: “It's been one of those enduring things for me. The money would have been nice, but I’ve never regretted choosing my principles.”
Amaechi was speaking at a Champions Speakers event alongside Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave, hosted by Paralympic champion Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.
For more information, including details of how to book Amaechi as a keynote speaker visit champions-speakers.co.uk