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.
LeBron James Is Officially A Billionaire https://t.co/vKXxBzL9wf pic.twitter.com/5c6cdbYLN8
— Forbes (@Forbes) June 2, 2022
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 |