Boston Celtics Star Kristaps Porziņģis Rejects $705 Million NIL Offer from Lakers: “My Loyalty Lies with the Celtics Forever”
April 27, 2025 — In a stunning show of loyalty that has electrified the NBA community, Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porziņģis has turned down a monumental $705 million NIL-style offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. The Latvian big man declared in a statement Sunday morning that his heart is firmly tied to Boston, saying, “My loyalty lies with the Celtics forever.”
The offer from the Lakers, which insiders describe as an unprecedented combination of endorsement opportunities, marketing partnerships, and equity stakes in media and entertainment ventures,
would have made Porziņģis one of the highest-earning athletes in history without even changing teams in the traditional sense. Instead, Porziņģis’s choice to remain with Boston has only further cemented his growing legacy within one of basketball’s most storied franchises.
A Record-Breaking NIL-Style Proposal
With the NBA increasingly intersecting with business, media, and personal branding, teams have started to explore NIL-style (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities as a means of attracting and retaining star players.
The Lakers’ $705 million offer would have seen Porziņģis become the face of multiple global brands based in Los Angeles, gain part ownership of two emerging sports media companies, and receive long-term branding opportunities stretching well beyond his playing career.
The deal was revolutionary, ambitious, and persuasive — but not persuasive enough.
“I appreciate the interest and respect shown by the Lakers organization,” Porziņģis said in his statement. “But I’m proud to be a Celtic. I want to build something unforgettable here. Championships, memories, and a bond with this city — that’s what matters to me.”
Loyalty Rarely Seen in Today’s NBA
Porziņģis’s decision to stay loyal to the Celtics drew immediate praise from fans, analysts, and former players, many of whom noted how rare such loyalty has become in the modern NBA, where superstars often change teams in pursuit of bigger contracts, larger markets, or different opportunities.
“This is what being a Celtic is all about,” Celtics legend Paul Pierce wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “KP gets it.”
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla echoed that sentiment during his media availability on Sunday afternoon.
“Kristaps has embraced everything we stand for — hard work, loyalty, commitment to the team first,” Mazzulla said. “He’s not just a great player; he’s a true Celtic.”
Since arriving in Boston, Porziņģis has played some of the best basketball of his career. His ability to stretch the floor offensively, protect the rim defensively, and dominate matchups has been a critical part of the Celtics’ resurgence as title contenders. His chemistry with stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown has been a major storyline of the 2024–25 NBA season.
Why Boston Felt Like Home
Porziņģis has spoken often about how different Boston felt from his previous NBA stops. Drafted by the New York Knicks in 2015, he quickly became a fan favorite but endured injuries and front-office turmoil before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks and later the Washington Wizards.
His arrival in Boston was initially met with cautious optimism, but it didn’t take long for him to win over fans, teammates, and the entire organization.
“Boston reminded me why I fell in love with basketball,” Porziņģis shared during an interview earlier this year. “It’s about winning. It’s about family. It’s about legacy. That’s what I want.”
Rejecting $705 million — even for someone who has earned substantial NBA contracts — is a staggering decision. But for Porziņģis, it appears that building something lasting in Boston means more than any paycheck.
What This Means Moving Forward
Porziņģis’s decision is a huge boost for the Celtics’ future. With him committed alongside Tatum, Brown, and a talented supporting cast, Boston remains firmly positioned to chase multiple championships over the coming years.
More importantly, Porziņģis’s loyalty could have ripple effects across the NBA, inspiring other players to think twice before leaving great situations for bigger financial opportunities elsewhere.
As for the Lakers, sources indicate they will pivot quickly, continuing to seek high-profile names through both traditional free agency and modern NIL-style partnerships. However, missing out on Porziņģis is a major blow to their long-term plans.
Meanwhile, Boston fans are already planning tributes to honor their star’s loyalty, with murals and special celebrations being organized around TD Garden.
In a league often dominated by talk of “super teams” and “player movement,” Kristaps Porziņģis has delivered a powerful reminder that sometimes, loyalty, pride, and love for a city still matter most.
And in Boston, that loyalty will never be forgotten.
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