LeBron James net worth: Lakers' superstar reportedly makes history in becoming billionaire

Scott Rafferty

LeBron James net worth: Lakers' superstar reportedly makes history in becoming billionaire image

LeBron James continues to make history — on and off the court.

Following his 19th season in the league, Forbes estimates that the Lakers superstar has officially become a billionaire, making him the first active NBA player to join the exclusive club.

According to Forbes, Michael Jordan is the only other basketball billionaire. He reportedly reached the milestone in 2014, 11 years following his last game.

The No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, James is one of the most accomplished players in league history. He's earned 18 All-Star selections, 18 All-NBA selections, six All-Defensive selections, four MVP awards, four championships and four Finals MVP awards.

James was named a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team at the start of the 2021-22 season.

James has made a total of $387.4 million from the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers in salary during his NBA career, per Spotrac, the most among active players. Forbes estimates that he has earned "upwards of $900 million in income from endorsements and other business ventures," which includes his production company SpringHill Company, a minority stake in Liverpool F.C. and a lifetime agreement with Nike.

It might come as a surprise to hear that James wasn't actually the highest-paid player in the NBA this season, but when combined with his off-court earnings, the only athlete who earned more than him in 2022 was soccer star, Lionel Messi.

NBA's highest-paid players for the 2021-22 season

A total of five players had a higher salary than James ($41.2 million) in the 2021-22 NBA season. Warriors superstar Stephen Curry topped the list, followed by James Harden, John Wall, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.

In the 2022-23 season, Curry, Harden, Wall and Westbrook are set to make more than James.

(Via Spotrac)

Rank Player Team 2021-22 salary
1. Stephen Curry Warriors $45,780,966
2. James Harden 76ers $44,310,840
3. John Wall Rockets $44,310,840
4. Russell Westbrook Lakers $44,211,146
5. Kevin Durant Nets $42,018,900
6. LeBron James Lakers $41,180,544
7. Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks $39,344,900
8. Paul George Clippers $39,344,900
9. Kawhi Leonard Clippers $39,344,900
10. Damian Lillard Trail Blazers $39,344,900
11. Klay Thompson Warriors $37,980,720
12. Jimmy Butler Heat $36,016,200
13. Tobias Harris 76ers $35,995,950
14. Khris Middleton Bucks $35,500,000
15. Anthony Davis Lakers $35,361,360

LeBron James' contract with the Lakers

In 2020, James signed a two-year, $85 million contract extension with the Lakers. He will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2022-23 season.

  2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
LeBron James $41,180,544 $44,474,988 UFA

LeBron James' career earnings

Year Team Salary
2003-04 Cavaliers $4,018,290
2004-05 Cavaliers $4,320,360
2005-06 Cavaliers $4,621,800
2006-07 Cavaliers $5,828,090
2007-08 Cavaliers $13,041,250
2008-09 Cavaliers $14,410,581
2009-10 Cavaliers $15,779,912
2010-11 Heat $14,500,000
2011-12 Heat $12,896,159
2012-13 Heat $17,545,000
2013-14 Heat $19,067,500
2014-15 Cavaliers $20,644,400
2015-16 Cavaliers $22,970,500
2016-17 Cavaliers $30,963,450
2017-18 Cavaliers $33,285,709
2018-19 Lakers $35,654,150
2019-20 Lakers $37,436,858
2020-21 Lakers $39,219,566
2021-22 Lakers $41,180,544
Estimated Earnings   $387,384,119

Scott Rafferty

Scott Rafferty Photo

 

Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.