Hail to the King: Cavaliers James highest-earning player in NBA

To the surprise of no one, LeBron James is the highest-earning player in the NBA, with reigning Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant right behind him.

LeBron James’ team may be having a disappointing season, but his bank account isn’t.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers forward is the highest-earning player in the NBA, according to Forbes, as he slated to make a projected $64.6 million this season. While Cavs owner Dan Gilbert will be scratching off checks to the tune of $20.6 million in salary to James, it’s the King’s endorsements that send his money matters off the charts.

Nike, Samsung and Beats by Dre are just three of the endorsement deals that will provide James an extra $44 million this season. To put that in a different context, James’ endorsements pays him more than the entire Philadelphia 76ers roster, which is currently $41.6 million.

James’ total earnings is more than the payrolls of seven franchises, as the 76ers, Bucks, Jazz, Magic, Hawks, Pistons and Suns would not be able to bear his value.

James is tied with former Heat teammate Chris Bosh as the NBA’s sixth-highest paid player, trailing the salaries of Kobe Bryant ($23.5 million), Amare Stoudamire ($23.4 million), Joe Johnson ($23.1 million), Carmelo Anthony ($22.4 million) and Dwight Howard ($21.4 million).

Thunder forward Kevin Durant is second on Forbes’ list, as the reigning MVP will make an estimated $54 million. Durant makes $19.9 million from his contract, yet his deal with Nike (which will pay him $300 million over 10 years) puts him close yet not quite in the neighborhood with James.

Bryant had been the NBA’s highest-paid player the past nine years, yet, like his game, the Mamba’s earnings are in decline. The third-leading scorer in Association annuals will make a mere $49.5 million, placing him third.

Derrick Rose ($38.9 million) and Anthony ($30.5 million) complete the top five.

There is good news for the Lakers in the midst of what could be the worst in franchise history. The team is currently valued at $2.6 billion, putting just ahead of the equally inept Knicks, which are worth $2.5 billion despite the fact the team just ended a 16-game losing streak on Monday. The Bulls are worth $2 billion.

Life is good if you’re an NBA owner, as Forbes currently has 11 franchises worth at least $1 billion. Those numbers stand a very good chance to rise before the 2016-17 season, when the lucrative television deal with ESPN, ABC and Turner Sports will kick in.

The timing will also do wonders for the values of both James and Durant, who are both projected to be free agents after next season.

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