Lebron James is the second highest paid athlete in America

May 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) and Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the second half in game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 115-78. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

May 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) and Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the second half in-game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 115-78. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Heat small forward, Lebron James, made $56.5 million last year. Even still, he is only the second highest paid athlete in America trailing only to Floyd “Money” Mayweather.

According to Sports Illustrated‘s report of its annual top 50 earners, James trailed to Mayweather who tops the list making $90 million. James made $17.5 million in salary (he took less than the maximum) and made $39 million in endorsements. Among the deals are a Samsung endorsements, a deal from Baskin Robbins and a deal with Nike.

While James is the highest earner in the NBA, there are some notable players. Los Angeles Lakers guard, Kobe Bryant, came fourth on the list as he made $46.8 million this year. He made $27.8 million this season and $19 million from endorsements. He’s expected to make $30 million just in salary next season. He also has a deal with Nike and deals with Smart Car and Lenovo.

Seventh on the list is none other than Derrick Rose. Rose racked in $33 million in total. $16 million from salary and $17 million from endorsements. He has a life time deal with Adidas, and deals from Wilson, Powerade, Skullcandy and Giordano’s Pizza in Chicago.

The following is a list of the rest of NBA players who also made it on the SI top 50 earners.

11. Dwyane Wade: $28.7 million
12. Kevin Durant: $27.7 million
16. Carmelo Anthony: $25.3 million
24. Amar’e Stoudemire: $23.5 million
31. Dwight Howard: $21.9 million
33. Chris Paul: $21.6 million
35. Dirk Nowitzki: $21.3 million
37. Pau Gasol: $21.1 million
43. Joe Johnson: $19.95 million
47. Chris Bosh: $18.5 million

The list compiled by SI contains 25 baseball players and eight football players.

What do you think of the list? Is Lebron James overpaid or underpaid? Are any of these NBA superstars overpaid or underpaid as well? Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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