It's no secret that the highest-earning NBA players can accumulate serious wealth. From Michael Jordan to LeBron James, some of the most iconic athletes in history have taken home hefty paychecks for their skill and talent on the court. But exactly how much do these all-time greats make?
Naturally, the most successful players will make the most money throughout a long and storied career. And with the influx of cash coming into the NBA in recent years, players that are still playing in the league are the ones that feature at the top of this list, ahead of some more recognizable names such as the MJ, as well as Shaquille O'Neal.
This term, some of the game's most successful players are struggling somewhat. LeBron’s Lakers are currently way down in 11th place in the Western Conference, and online bookmakers such as https://www.bovada.lv/sports/basketball/nba haven’t given them any chance at all of competing for the Larry O’Brien trophy this season. The favorites for the crown this season are the Milwaukee Bucks, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo firing on all cylinders, it's clear to see why.
The Greek Freak still has a long way to go in his career, and there is no doubt he will make a fortune over the next decade or so. But which players have earned the most as of right now? Let’s take a look at some of the top NBA stars to see who has cashed in the most throughout their time in the league.
LeBron James - $430 million
Have you ever just sat back and thought about how insanely successful LeBron James has been, both on and off the court? I mean, this guy is a bonafide living legend who's got a whopping $430 million to his name. And it's not just about the cash, but it's also how LeBron constantly pushes the boundaries of what a basketball player can do.
King James has four NBA championships to his name, spread across three different franchises, namely his beloved Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as the Miami Heat and his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers. He's been crushing it on the court for nearly two decades now and he recently became the NBA’s all-time leading points scorer, overhauling Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-time record.
He had had a massive impact off the court as well, spreading positivity and being a role model for millions. It's hard not to be in awe of LeBron's success story and his ability to dominate both sports and business.
Chris Paul - $360 million
Current Phonix Suns Point Guard Chris Paul has also racked up a mammoth amount of money throughout his nearly two-decade-long career. We're talking about an eye-watering $360 million, across a number of contracts with some of the league's finest franchises, namely the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and his current team, the aforementioned Suns.
This guy's journey in the world of professional basketball has been nothing short of extraordinary. He's stormed past challenges, set impressive records, and been named an NBA All-Star on no less than 12 occasions. Chris Paul's awe-inspiring earnings are a testament to his relentless determination and exceptional skills on the court. It just goes to show that if you put your heart and soul into something you love, you can achieve amazing things.
Despite both his personal and financial success, however, Paul has never managed to pick up an NBA Championship ring. He came close on a number of occasions, none more so than the 2021 campaign, where Paul and his Suns reached the NBA Finals. However, the might of the current table-topping Bucks was too much to handle, with the Suns eventually succumbing to a 4-2 series defeat.
Kevin Durant - $350 million
Kevin Durant is a name that will live long in the annals of basketball history. From a humble college basketball career to an incredible professional one, he has certainly come a long way. He has earned awards by the bucketload, including back-to-back NBA Championships in 2017 and 2018 with the Golden State Warriors, as well as being named the MVP in both of those Finals successes.
And when it comes to money, it seems like the man can't stop earning it. Throughout his illustrious career, he has earned around $350 million and counting. It's no wonder why he's been hailed as one of the most successful NBA superstars in recent memory, both on the court and off it. And at the age of just 34, he still has plenty more left in the tank, and plenty more dollars left to earn.
Durant has recently moved on to the Phoenix Suns and is a teammate of the aforementioned Chris Paul. The Arizona-based outfit is currently fourth in the Western Conference and KD could very well be the man that can assist the 37-year-old Paul to perhaps his first and only NBA Championship.
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