The latest talk in the sneakers market is about the upcoming installation in the Lebron series. The following article will focus on all the buzz around Lebron 20. Since, the release of Lebron 19 last year, the entire sneaker world was taken by a storm. The previous pair of shoes that the company launched was Lebron 19. It was by Senior Footwear Designer Jason Petrie. Lebron 19 features a new dual-chambered Air Max unit with a Zoom Air at the forefoot. Lebron 19 was an instant hit and it created ripples amongst the fans and other sneaker companies. It even hit Nike’s Space Jam: A New Legacy collection. And while this silhouette might have created a color wave amongst the fans, it’s time to up the ante even more. So, Nike has launched the brand new pair of Lebron 20 which the star is seen to wear while training.
Lebron James, the Lakers star is entering the 20th season of his career. The basketball professional has a long line of signature signings with the sports juggernaut Nike. For those of you who aren’t aware of them, this journey started way back in 2003. Since then, this bond has sent shockwaves down the market. This friendship has culminated in many iconic sneakers like the Lebron 13, 14, 15 and so on. Now, the time has come for the fans to unveil the most recent pair of shoes on the market- the Lebron 20.
Let us have a look at the mouth-watering details that the fans were waiting for, for such a long time.
Lebron 20
LEBRON 20: About the shoes
The Lebron signatures have always been known for their wearing a high-top profile followed by low-tops arriving not long after. But, Lebron 20 is having a slight altercation with it. It has debuted in the market with a shorter trim while keeping in mind not to flaunt a sophisticated design. The manufacturers have relinquished to a more simple design. The model has incorporated round shapes which have been borrowed from its predecessors. The upper half has been knit with breathable and malleable material to keep the sweat off the feet. 2 swooshes are stitched with the shoes. One of them is raised lifting the heel off the ground while the other one sits underneath stitched in the background.
Lebron 20
In addition to this, detailing the shoe along with the colour palette of the superstar has been kept in the mind. Furthermore, the laces, eyelets and tongue flaps are constructed with generous tints of pink. Finally, the thick-soled shoes have been wrapped around a solid pink sole unit. Well, that’s a lot of pink to go with a pair of shoes! However, the branding of the shoes is kept minimal which comes as a shocker for the brand Nike. The manufacturers are confident that the shoes will be doing as well as their predecessors (Lebron 19) in the market. However, the sole of the shoe doesn’t have any visible air units. This might raise an eyebrow amongst the fans who will want a proper air circulation system within the shoes. However, as of now, there has been no further explanation on behalf of the company for this unique design.
When is LEBRON 20 releasing?
The Lebron 20 or Lebron XX is the twentieth shoe in this signature series. The series is set to hit the market pretty soon. According to reports and rumours, a release is expected during the Fall/Holiday season of 2022. However, right now only the signature palet colour i.e. pink will be released. The other variety of colourways is expected to come later this year and into 2023. Nike is likely to launch the LeBron 20 with special edition Pre-Heat style colour ways with ample nods to LeBron’s career achievements.
Lebron
Where can we buy them?
Post-release, fans of the signature series can procure the shoes from the online e-commerce platform Amazon. The shoes will also be on display in the nearest Nike outlets as well as the online Nike website. In India, the fans can get their first copy in myntra, the largest apparel marketing site. So, grab your pair soon!
Lebron 20 will usher the entire sportswear industry into a new direction. Now, it remains to be seen whether at the backdrop of all these Lakers will be able to re-tool and chase another championship this season. There’s history on the horizon for James either way, he’s just 1,325 points away from passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and the LeBron 20 could very well be a part of that moment.
NBA was established in 1949. Since then, there have been numerous players gracing the court who have left a mark which can be seldom ignored. Today NBA is one of the most profitable and successful organizations in the world. With a combined revenue of 6.41 billion U.S. dollars, the impact of NBA on the sport is legendary. This was made possible due to the once-in-a-lifetime players who dazzled us with their athleticism and genius.
There have been numerous stars who have graced the court of an NBA game. Most were able to make a name for themselves, but some have their name etched into the record books as the best in the history of the sport. We count down the top 10 basketball players in the NBA of all time, in our humble opinion.
One of the best power forwards in the history of the game, Tim Duncan, was selected as an overall first draft pick by the San Antonio Spurs. He would go on to spend his entire career loyal to the franchise. Dubbed “The Big Fundamental”, Tim Duncan was typically not a flamboyant player but rather depended on the fundamentals of basketball. This made him terrifyingly efficient throughout the court. Whether it be offense or defense, Tim Duncan bought that stability in the team. Having won the final MVP award 3-times in his career, Tim Duncan also guided the Spurs to the NBA championship 4 times. Tim Duncan was also considered quite underrated throughout his career. Nonetheless, one thing cannot be overstated that Tim Duncan truly was one of the greats to grace the basketball court.
Tim Duncan
Bill Russell
With 11 NBA Championships, the name of Bill Russel is etched in history to be one of the greats to ever do it. A defensive player by heart and trade, he is considered one of the greatest rebounders in the history of the NBA. His rebounding game was crucial in the many championships he won with the Celtics. One of the greatest moments of Bill Russel’s career was the 1962 finals between Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers were leading the series 3-2. However, in Game 7, Russel took matters into his own hand and single-handedly destroyed the Lakers by scoring 30 points and putting up an incredible 40 rebounds on the board.
Bill Russell
His blocking game was too revered by many. Since NBA did not officially start recording blocks per game but several newspaper articles during that time reported around 20 blocks in a single game. A 5 time MVP award winner, Bill Russell surely is a legend in the game and is an inspiration to many players today.
Larry Bird
Larry Bird was known for his shooting and his trash talking. However, he backed up his trash talking with legitimate results. This made him a fearsome foe to encounter, Having a high basketballing IQ and skills to go along, Larry Bird’s name is revered to this date as one of the greatest ever. Drafted 6th overall in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, he remained with them for the entirety of his career.
Larry Bird
A well-known story about Larry Bird is that he memorized the dead spots of the Celtics court, which was made with oak wood. The alleged dead spots on the floors meant that the ball would not bounce quite as high as the rest of the court. So he used to defend the players and lure them into those spots, which aided him tremendously while stealing off the opposition. This story is certainly a testament to his dedication and competitiveness. He was also the only person to never lose a playoff game against the great Micheal Jordon. He got the better of him both times they met in the play-offs. Larry “Legend” Bird was certainly not the most athletic but surely the most dedicated and competitive player we got to witness in the history of the NBA.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a pioneer in the NBA. His skyhook shot was unblockable, and he used it quite often to devastating effects. Kareem is regarded as one of the greats who would go on to change the game with his showmanship and swagger. He was instrumental for the Lakers as his involvement bought them incredible success both on and off the court. During his career, he was able to guide his team to the NBA finals 10 times. Out of which, he won an impressive 6 championships. He was also awarded the MVP award a record 6 times, which is still prevalent today. He hung up his boots at the age of 42, and at the time, he held the record for the most points, blocks, rebounds, and most wins by a player. A beast in his time, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime athlete to grace us in this beautiful sport.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Earvin Johnson Jr.
Better known as Magic Johnson, he was one of the greatest ever to play basketball. His greatness cannot be defined by mere statistics. The ’80s was a transitional period for NBA. It was slowly adapting to the high-paced and athletic NBA of today. Among everything, Magic Johnson was drafted first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the LA Lakers. He went on to win the Rookie of the Year as well as the NBA Championship. To make matters even more ridiculous, he even won the Finals MVP award that year.
Magic Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson was a 6’9″ point guard who used his high stature to dominate the game from the get-go. Having won 5 NBA Championships and 3 Finals MVP awards, he was destined for even more if his health did not deteriorate. In the summer of 1991, a piece of tragic news was abruptly broken by Johnson that he had contracted HIV and had to retire immediately. He would not play for 4 years. Until he returned in 1996 for a brief period but then again retired in the same year for good. A true legend of the game who achieved greatness and was perhaps destined for more. Nonetheless, his impact in the league is truly unmatchable.
Wilt Chamberlain
One of the most dominant players to ever step foot on the court, Wilt Chamberlain’s impact is undisputed. A player who averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds in a 1961-62 season can only be revered as something out of a manga or comic book. One of the originals to bring the level of basketball to new heights, he set numerous outlandish records, which we can only marvel at. His score of 4000 points in a season is simply as ridiculous as it sounds. His dominance would later prompt several rule changes in the league. Some of them are widening the lane, revising the rules governing in-bounding ball, and even shooting free throws. Since Chamberlain practically deposited the ball so easily by just leaping with the ball from behind the foul line.
Wilt Chamberlain
He retired at the end of the 1972-73 season and went on to have a successful and happening post-retirement, even acting alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie Conan The Barbarian. The list could go on, but it truly remains undisputed that Chamberlain is one of the best to ever play basketball.
Shaquille O’Neal
It is impossible to like Shaquille O’Neal. One of the most likable personalities in the NBA. However, on the court, it was a different story for the opposition. Standing at 7 ‘ 1″ tall and weighing more than 145 kgs, there has seldom been a dominant force like Shaq. Drafted in the year of 1992 by Orlando Magic, Shaq became notorious for dominance throughout the game. Averaging 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, he picked up rookie of the year award in 1993.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq, despite being a giant, was surprisingly athletic. He was also known to intentionally break the basketball glass boards while dunking. It leads to a modification of the entire basket mechanism to prevent it from happening so frequently. He has played for numerous clubs. However, his career peaked when he was bought by the LA Lakers, and he paired up with Kobe Bryant. He was instrumental for the Lakers as their Center and helped win 3 consecutive NBA championships. After his retirement, Shaq’s impact on the pop culture media is still prevalent and has only added to his popularity. One of the greatest to ply his trade in the NBA, and we certainly will never see such larger than life personality as Shaq in the NBA.
There is plenty of evidence to support Michael Jordan’s GOAT status, however, his greatest feat of all might have come before he even won an NBA title. In the 1988 season, he won MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and the NBA’s scoring title. His insane ’88 season went like this: 35 points on 53% shooting, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks.
Lebron James
King James as he is often regarded. Regarded by many to be the greatest basketball player of our generation, and that is undisputed. However, he ranks 3rd on our list just below the late great Kobe Bryant and Micheal Jordan. That is some company to keep at the top of the mountain. Going by statistics, it is simply impossible to separate the top 3. They are greats in their own rights. However, Kobe Bryant narrowly ranks above him just due to his mental fortitude in games and his unmatchable work ethic. Micheal Jordan, on the other hand, is Mr. Basketball himself. A GOAT, and it is hard to pick Lebron as the top player in history solely due to taking into account the period of each individual. Now since that’s out of the way, let’s look at King James.
Lebron James
Arriving at the age of 18 and being the first overall pick by Cleveland Cavaliers, King James was destined for greatness. He was touted as the one to take the mantle from Micheal Jordan, and he did. He even guided Cleveland to an NBA Championship in 2007. It was their first NBA Championship after 52 years, and going by the stats that season, it was pretty clear that Lebron James single-handedly carried his team to glory. Still playing at the highest level with the LA Lakers, Lebron James, now 37, is still the best player in the league. It is Kobe Bryant hard to argue the impact
and dominance of Lebron James when talking about accomplishments. He has done it all and is in no mood to stop. Truly he is one of the greatest to grace us in the sport.
Kobe Bryant
After Micheal Jordan, the title of the greatest was up for grabs. “The Black Mamba” Kobe Bryant grabbed it with both hands, and the rest is history. He was drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th pick overall. However, the Lakers had a prior deal fixed in place to obtain him from the Hornets, and they did. Regarded as one of the best scorers of our generation, Mamba’s cold-blooded nature on and off the court made him a fierce rival. His rock-hard mentality and dedication were second to none. He seemed to be out there to prove the world wrong, and he did. Winning 5 NBA Championships and breaking numerous personal records, Kobe Bryant has inspired an entire generation.
Kobe Bryant
His most jaw-dropping inspiring story came during a match in 2013 against Golden State Warriors. An unfortunate foul on Kobe resulted in him tearing both his Achilles tendon. However, he went to the free-throw line to drop the free throws, all the while being in excruciating pain. This moment solidified his already legendary career.
Michael Jordan
Synonymous with the game of basketball is Micheal Jordan. Such is the impact of this individual that there is probably nobody who hasn’t heard about Micheal Jordan. Basketball is Jordan. His dominance took over the entire industry by storm. His godlike technical ability makes it wonder maybe the game was designed for Micheal Jordan. One of the greatest scorers in the history of the league. Winning the NBA Championships 6 times and having 6 Finals MVP awards, Jordan’s impact on the game cannot be disputed. Widely regarded as one of the best players to ever step foot in the NBA, and his unblemished finals record of never losing an NBA final is perhaps the biggest argument for GOAT status.
Michael Jordan
Outside of the game, he has been a successful actor, played baseball for a few years, and has made a business out of sports shoes which also became synonymous with sneakers. MJ has done it all in the game and is certainly the greatest player in the history of NBA.
Also Read: Dallas Mavericks Vs Golden State Warriors Picks, Odds: Who wins NBA Playoffs Game 1?
Basketball is one of the most profitable and entertaining sports organizations to exist today. From a financial point of view, the money being generated is tremendous by one of the most famous basketball leagues in the world, the NBA. They average around $2.48 billion per year from revenues and commercial dealings. These astronomical numbers being generated are due to the players who ply their trade to please and fascinate the audience worldwide. These players contribute to the massive economy behind each team’s success and are considered some of the most expensive players.
Therefore it is imperative that these players are highly sought after. From the moment these stars are drafted from the colleges, they are destined for greatness. The fees that these players are offered can set up anybody for life. A dream for many aspiring basketball players, getting signed by a franchise can make anybody’s career. So keeping that in mind, let us look at the top 10 most expensive basketball players of all time.
Also Read: Top 10 Point Leaders in the NBA
David Robinson: San Antonio Spurs
Salary: $5,740,000 Year: 1993-94
David Robinson
David Robinson can be argued as the one who put the Spurs on the map as a dominant force in the NBA. His passion for the game and personality off the court really portrays the nature of the city of San Antonio. Joining in 1989, he remained at Spurs throughout his career, and San Antonio made sure they kept him by all means necessary. In the year 1993-94, Robinson became the highest-paid NBA player of the year, and rightfully so.
His performance on the court was remarkable, however, his work in the community was praiseworthy, to say the least. His presence in the city became a symbol of hope and solidarity. From donating money to 5th graders for completing their diploma to establishing the David Robinson Foundation, which would provide help and care to children’s charities. A leader for the city and club, David Robinson, makes our list as one of the top 10 most expensive players in basketball.
Larry Bird: Boston Celtics
Salary: $7,070,000 Year: 1991-92
Larry Bird
The legendary Larry Bird was crucial for the success of the Boston Celtics. Thus making it a no-brainer to keep him in the club without thinking about the cost. In the year 1991-92, Larry Bird was offered a contract of $7,070,000, which made him the highest-paid basketballer at the time and 9th overall on our list. Known for his shooting and his trash-talking skills, Larry Bird would generally back up his trash talk with results. His game IQ was off the charts.
The infamous story about him memorizing the dead spots of the Celtics court, which was made with oak wood, gave him an edge while stealing the ball off the opposition. This only goes on to prove his dedication to his craft and the desire to be the best. Truly a once in a lifetime player.
Magic Johnson: Los Angeles Lakers
Salary: $14,660,000 Year: 1994-95
Magic Johnson
Earvin Johnson Jr. or better known as Magic Johnson, was considered one of the best to ever set foot in the NBA. Playing for LA Lakers in the season of 1994-95, he was offered an extension contract of $14,660,000 even if he did not play. Magic Johnson in 1991 announced he had contracted HIV and had to retire immediately. However, owner Jerry Buss decided to offer him an extension even though he wasn’t sure he would be able to play that season. Having played in the transitional period of the NBA, where the game was slowly becoming more athletic and high-paced, Magic Johnson easily dominated and paved the way for future players.
He was drafted first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the LA Lakers. He went on to win the Rookie of the Year as well as the NBA Championship. To make matters even more ridiculous, he even won the Finals MVP award that year. Playing as a point guard, his contributions led to 5 NBA Championships for the Lakers. Therefore, the Lakers were very keen to hold on to him.
Patrick Ewing: New York Knicks
Salary: $18,724,000 Year: 1995-96
Patrick Ewing
Drafted as a 1985 overall first pick, Patrick Ewing would go on to be one of the leading forces behind the Knicks’ short-lived dominance in the league. His presence on the team soon changed the core dynamics of the squad. The Knicks started to adopt a more physical style of play to dominate other teams. This change bought about a revolution, and in the 90s, the Knicks were able to become one of the most feared teams in the league. However, their short-lived dominance would fail to bore them any fruits since they were unable to win the championship on two separate occasions.
Nonetheless, the impact of Ewing on the team warranted a huge contract, given the legacy he just left them with. In the year of 1995, Patrick Ewing was handed a contract of $18,724,000. Which makes him 6th on our list of the most expensive basketball players.
Shaquille O’Neal: Miami Heat
Salary: $27,696,430 Year: 2004-05
Shaquille O’Neal
One of the most marketable players in the NBA, Shaq, is money. It was impossible not to like him, and in the 2000’s Shaq was everywhere. Whether it be movies, commercials, or billboards, Shaq’s prominence in pop culture was booming. Additionally, his career in the NBA as a dominant force was also rampaging through everybody. In 2004-05 Miami Heat broke the bank and offered him a whopping $27,696,430 contract. It proved to be good business for the Heats as it bought a lot of eyes to the team, which resulted in high revenues. Always a larger-than-life personality, Shaq’s presence and domination on the court and in pop culture deemed him worthy of such a massive contract at the time. He ranks 5th on our list of the top 10 most expensive basketball players.
Kevin Garnett: Minnesota Timberwolves
Salary: $28,000,000 Year: 2003-04
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett of the Timberwolves would go on to become a legend for the team. In the year 2003-04, Garnett was offered a whopping $28,000,000 contract which at the time it was an astronomical figure. It’s still a huge figure even after almost 20 years. He won the MVP award after averaging 24.2 PPG and 13.9 RPG. In that same season, he even managed to take the Timberwolves to the finals. However, they were unsuccessful in the end. Nonetheless, Kevin Garnett had already etched his name in the club’s history books as this was the first time they managed to reach the conference finals. Garnett places 4th on our list of the top 10 most expensive basketball players.
Kobe Bryant: Los Angeles Lakers
Salary: $30,453,805 Year: 2012-14
Kobe Bryant
After Micheal Jordan, the title of the greatest was up for grabs. “The Black Mamba” Kobe Bryant grabbed it with both hands, and the rest is history. He was drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th pick overall. However, the Lakers had a prior deal fixed in place to obtain him from the Hornets, and they did. Regarded as one of the best scorers of our generation, Mamba’s cold-blooded nature on and off the court made him a fierce rival. His rock-hard mentality and dedication were second to none. He seemed to be out there to prove the world wrong, and he did. Winning 5 NBA Championships and breaking numerous personal records, Kobe Bryant has inspired an entire generation.
His most jaw-dropping inspiring story came during a match in 2013 against Golden State Warriors. An unfortunate foul on Kobe resulted in him tearing both his Achilles tendon. However, he went to the free-throw line to drop the free throws, all the while being in excruciating pain. This moment solidified his already legendary career.
LeBron James: Cleveland Cavaliers
Salary: $30,963,450 Year: 2016-17
LeBron James
Arriving at the age of 18 and being the first overall pick by Cleveland Cavaliers, King James was destined for greatness. He was touted as the one to take the mantle from Micheal Jordan, and he did. He even guided Cleveland to an NBA Championship in 2007. It was their first NBA Championship after 52 years, and going by the stats that season, it was pretty clear that LeBron James single-handedly carried his team to glory.
Still playing at the highest level with the LA Lakers, LeBron James, now 37, is still the best player in the league. It is hard to argue the impact and dominance of LeBron James when talking about their accomplishments. He has done it all and is in no mood to stop. Truly he is one of the greatest to grace us in the sport. He ranks 3rd on our list of top 10 most expensive basketball players.
Michael Jordan: Chicago Bulls
Salary: $33,140,000 Year: 1997-98
Micheal Jordan
Synonymous with the game of basketball is Micheal Jordan. Such is the impact of this individual that there is probably nobody who hasn’t heard about Micheal Jordan. Basketball is Jordan. His dominance took over the entire industry by storm. His godlike technical ability makes it wonder maybe the game was designed for Micheal Jordan. One of the greatest scorers in the history of the league. Winning the NBA Championships 6 times and having 6 Finals MVP awards, Jordan’s impact on the game cannot be disputed. Widely regarded as one of the best players to ever step foot in the NBA, and his unblemished finals record of never losing an NBA final is perhaps the biggest argument for GOAT status.
Outside of the game, he has been a successful actor, played baseball for a few years, and has made a business out of sports shoes which also became synonymous with sneakers. MJ has done it all in the game and is certainly the greatest player in the history of the NBA. Jordan ranks 2nd on our list of the top 10 most expensive basketball players.
Stephen Curry: Golden State Warriors
Salary: $48,070,014 Year: 2022-23
Steph Curry
Steph Curry this year becomes the highest-paid player in the history of the NBA. He signed a deal back in 2021 with the GSW, which runs through till 2025, and he will pocket $201,158,790 in the 5 years. Curry also becomes the first NBA player ever to sign two $200m+ contracts. There isn’t much to say about Steph Curry that hasn’t already been said. A three-point machine. Multiple MVP award winner Steph Curry is in his prime and is in no mood to stop. He has already led the GSW to five consecutive NBA Finals. Out of which, he managed to win three championships and end a 40-year trophy drought in 2015.
Curry has undeniably made himself a GSW icon whose name will forever be engraved in the halls of Chase Center. Stephen Curry is the highest-paid NBA basketball player in history and concludes our list of the top 10 most expensive basketball players.
The NBA’s market value and popularity is ever-growing. Basketball has become a multi-million dollar sport. And, hence basketballers have become multi-millionaires. Ascending revenues from television, sponsorships, and licensing have resulted in huge contracts and deals for everyone involved in the NBA. As a result, 8 of the 15 highest-paid players are currently in the NBA, and the rest all played during the last decade. The highest-paid player in the NBA recently exceeded the $40 Million mark in the NBA. Larry Bird was the first player to earn $5 Million or more in the 1991-92 season. Magic Johnson became the first player to earn $10 Million and more in the 1994-95 season. Michael Jordan became the first player to earn $20 Million and $30 Million in 1995-96 and 1996-97 respectively. Jordan held the record for the highest fees ever till Kobe was handed a $30 Million contract by the Los Angeles Lakers. Stephen Curry was the first player to be handed out a $40 Million contract by the Golden State Warriors in 2019-2020. Here is the list of the 15 highest-paid Basketball players of all time.
15. Chris Bosh (2003-2017)
Career Earnings: $ 242,110,053
Personal Highest: $26.8 Million in 2018-19 Season.
The power forward played for Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat in his career. He was forced into an early retirement by a blood clot condition that the NBA ruled to be a career-ending one. But, Bosh still played for three extra years and took an early retirement at the age of 31. The 11-time NBA All-Star was the fourth overall pick in the draft by Toronto in 2003. The 2 time NBA champion has set up a foundation in Dallas and in Toronto to promote youth education and sports. He ranks 15th in the list of highest earners in NBA.
Chris Bosh
14. Al Horford (2007-Present)
Career Earnings: $ 243,228,232
Personal Highest: $ 28.9 Million in 2018-19 Season.
The 5 time NBA All Star is currently playing for the Boston Celtics. He was the third overall pick in the 2007 draft. And he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. He has played for the Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and now for the Celtics. He was the second highest paid player in the league in the 2016-17 season.
13. Dwight Howard (2004-Present)
Career Earnings: $245,838,349
Personal Highest: $23.5 Million in 2016-17 Season.
The Center was the first pick in the 2004 draft to the Orlando Magic. The 8 time NBA All Star has played for Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers and is currently at the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a part of the Lakers team that won the title in 19-20 season. Howard was the 4th highest earner in the league in the 15-16 season.
“The Big Fundamental” was the first pick in the 1997 draft by the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan spent all his senior career at the Spurs. He is widely regarded as the greatest Power Forward in the history of the game. Tim is one of the best mid-range shooters the game has ever seen. The 5 time NBA champion was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 and was named in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. The 15 time All Star’s No.21 jersey was retired by the Spurs franchise in December 2016.
11 Dirk Nowitzki (1998-2019)
Career Earnings: 255,371,800
Personal Highest: 25 Million in 2016-17 Season.
Dirk was the 9th pick in the 1998 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent the entirety of his 21-year-long career. Dirk is one of the greatest Power Forwards in the history of the game. Furthermore, he is widely regarded as the greatest European player of All Time. The 1 time NBA champion is the 6th highest scorer of all time. The 14 time NBA All Star was awarded the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and was named in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. The Dallas Mavericks retired his 41 jersey in 2021. The big German could’ve been much higher on this list, but in the later phases of his career he signed friendly deals with the Mavericks. Owing to his love for the franchise.
Dirk Nowitzki
10. Stephen Curry (2009-Present)
Career Earnings: $257,859,052
Personal Highest: $45.7 Million in 2021-22 Season.
Steph was the 7th overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Golden State Warriors. The greatest three point shooter this sport has ever seen. This 3 time NBA Champion has hit a staggering 3000 three pointers. He is the first player to be given a contract with the salary in the excess of 40 million. ‘The chef” signed a mammoth $201 Million deal with the Warriors in 2017, with his buyout being $45.7 Million, the highest ever in NBA in 2021-22. The 3 time NBA champion has been the highest-paid player in the league for a consecutive five seasons running. Following from 2017-18 to the ongoing season.
Stephen Curry
9. Blake Griffin (2009-Present)
Career Earnings: $258,432,713
Personal Highest: 34.4 Million in 2019-20
The power forward was the first pick in the 2009 draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. He is currently at the Brooklyn Nets. Blake has played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Detroit Pistons. He was the 5th Highest earner in the league in the 2017-18 season.
8. James Harden (2009-Present)
Career Earnings: $272,039,833
Personal Highest: $44.3 Million in 2021-22 Season.
The shooting guard was the third overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden has played for Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and is currently at Philadelphia 76ers. The 10 time all star is the second highest-paid player in the ongoing season behind Steph with $44.3 Million.
7. Russell Westbrook (2008-Present)
Career Earnings: $291,756,33
Personal Highest: $44.2 Million in 2021-22 Season.
The point guard was the 4th overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook has an unprecedented 193* Triple Doubles. He has played for Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and is currently at The Los Angeles Lakers. The ‘Triple Double King’ is currently the 4th highest earner in the league, ahead of his teammate LeBron James.
Westbrook celebrates after hitting a three-pointer
6. Shaquille O’Neal (1992-2011)
Career Earnings: $292,198,327
Personal Highest: $27.6 Million in 2004-05 Season.
The Center was the first pick in the 1992 draft by the Orlando Magic. “The Diesel” is one of the greatest in his position. The 2 time NBA Scoring Champion has featured in the NBA 50th anniversary team and the NBA 75th anniversary. He has won the NBA 4 times, including a three-peat in the years 2000-2002. Shaq is a 15 time All Star and has played for Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics. Shaquille was the highest-paid player in the league in the following seasons: 99-00,04-05, and 06-07.
5. Kevin Durant (2007-Present)
Career Earnings: $313,070,742
Personal Highest: $40.9 Million in 2021-22 Season.
The small forward was the second overall pick in the 2007 draft by the Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant has won 2 NBA Championships. He is a 12 time All Star. K.D was inducted in the 75th Anniversary Team. The 1 time MVP has played for Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors and is currently at the Brooklyn Nets.
4. Kobe Bryant (1996-2016)
Career Earnings: $328,237,108
Personal Highest: $30.4 Million in 2013-14 Season.
“Mamba” was one of the greatest players NBA has ever seen. Kobe was in the All star team every season in the 21st century till he retired. The Lakers have retired his both No.24 and the No.8 jersey. Bryant, alongside Shaq, won a three-peat of NBA from 2000-02. He won a total of five championships. Kobe spent all his career at the Lakers. The two-time scoring champion was one of the best shooters and dunkers the game has ever seen. He once hit 82 Points in a single game. This total is only bettered by Wilt Chamberlain, who once hit 100. Kobe ranks 4th in the all time scoring charts. He was the highest earner in the league from seasons 2009-10 to 2015-16. Furthermore, he was the first player since Michael Jordan to have a $30 Million salary. The Mamba was inducted into the 75th Anniversary Team, cementing his status at the top of the ladder.
Kobe Bryant
3. Chris Paul (2005-Present)
Career Earnings: $330,977,385
Personal Highest: $41 Million in 2020-21 Season.
The point guard was the 4th pick overall in the 2005 draft by the New Orleans Hornets. “CP3” was the second-highest earner in the league in 2020-21 season, just behind Steph Curry. Chris Paul has played for New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and currently is at Phoenix Suns. He is a 12 Time NBA All star.
2. Kevin Garnett (1995-2016)
Career Earnings: $334,862,398
Personal Highest: $28 Million in 2003-04
The power forward was the 5th pick overall in the draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. “The Big Ticket” was one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history. He is one of the five players to have won NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. He has played for Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and the Brooklyn Nets. KG was a 15 Time All Star and won the championship once in 2008. He was the highest-paid player in the league from 2000-2004 and from 2006-2009.
1. LeBron James (2003-Present)
Career Earnings: $390,511,090
Personal Highest: $41.1 Million in 2021-22
King James is one of the greatest this game has ever seen and will ever hope to see. LeBron is currently in his 19th season and still shattering records at the age of 37. He was the first pick in the draft by the Cavaliers. James has won 4 NBA Championships. He has 4 Finals MVP and 4 MVP’s. LeBron was the third player to enter the $30 Million club, following Jordan and Kobe. James was the highest paid player in the league in 2016-17 season. The King has played for the Cavaliers, Miami, and is currently playing for the Lakers. James is the only player to have 30,00+points, 10,000+rebounds, and 10,000+ assists. LeBron is second in the all time points list, and it is only a matter of time before he becomes the outright top scorer in NBA history.
