He might have lost the Battle of LA yesterday but Lakers marquee player LeBron James is laughing all the way to the bank according to Forbes.
A new article from the business publication calculated that James will earn an incredible US$92.4 million over the course of the 2019-2020 season. Of that figure, only US$37.4 million comes from his salary, with the remaining US$55 million coming from King James’ lucrative endorsement deals. This year the three-time champion secured sponsorship deals with Rimowa luggage and Walmart, adding to a long list of companies that includes Beats By Dre, Coca-Cola and NBA2K, while his media company Uninterrupted is producing the long-awaited Space Jam sequel.
Coming in a close second with total earnings of US$85.2 million was the Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry, who at 31-years-old is the highest-paid player in the NBA with a contract this year worth $40.2 million alone. The injured Kevin Durant took out third spot with an overall total of US$73.2 million followed by Russell Westbrook in fourth with US$56.5 million.
Other notable players to make the top 10 include the Rockets’ James Harden in fifth with US$55.2 million, injured Golden State star Klay Thompson at seventh with US$47.7 and Damian Lillard from the Portland Trailblazers rounding out the top 10 with a hefty US$43.8 million.
In total, the NBA’s 10 highest-paid players will earn a combined total of US$600 million this year, with about US$250 million of that coming from endorsements, appearances, merchandise and media commitments. Not a bad on-court/off-court split, is it?
Check out the full list below and read up on how LeBron spends his millions.
1. LeBron James – US$92.4M (US$37.4M salary, US$55M endorsements)
2. Steph Curry – US$85.2M (US$40.2M salary, US$45M endorsements)
3.Kevin Durant – US$73.2M (US$38.2M salary, US$35M endorsements)
4. Russel Westbrook – US$56.5M (US$38.5M salary, US$18M endorsements)
5. James Harden – US$55.2M (US$38.2M salary, US$17M endorsements)
6. Kyrie Irving – US$51.7M (US$31.7M salary, US$20M endorsements)
7. Klay Thompson – US$47.7M (US$32.7M salary, US$15M endorsements)
8. Chris Paul – US$46.5M (US$38.5M salary, US$8M endorsements)
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo – US$45.8M (US$25.8M salary, US$20M endorsements)
10. Damien Lillard – US$43.8M (US29.8M salary, US$14M endorsements)
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