NBA greatness is synonymous with wealth, the riches of the former greats have evidenced this. When thinking of the league and money, one immediately pictures of Michael Jordan, who created a multi-billion-dollar brand with Nike. On the other hand, LeBron James is among the active players to carve out a place for himself in the pantheon of basketball immortality. With his exceptional performance, the bag followed shortly after.
In his two-decade-long career, Bron has won 4 NBA rings and 4 MVPs, and his net worth substantiates his status as the modern GOAT of the NBA. However, another player in his era attempts to match his wealth. Kevin Durant, the 2-time Champion has also garnered a lot of success in terms of creating a brand. With the new season in full swing, let’s take a look at the net worth of these two titans of the league.
LeBron James Billionaire Status
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LBJ is undoubtedly the most followed active player in the world of basketball and stands among the best ever in the NBA. Fans often debate whether he or MJ is the greatest basketball player of all time. To King James’ credit, he became the league’s top-scorer surpassing fellow Laker Kareem Abdul Jabbar last season. In addition, the former MVP ranks fourth in career assists.
Since being drafted as the no 1 overall pick in 2003, he has won four championships with all the teams he has been a part of. Standing at the height of 6’9, the Akron Hammer dominates both with his physicality and athletic style of play. He has also earned two gold medals (in 2008 and 2012) and a bronze medal (in 2004) at the Olympics while representing the USA.
During his 21-year NBA career, James earned $479.5 million, and he recently signed a two-year, $97 million extension with the Lakers. The extension makes him the highest-earning player in NBA history, bringing his career earnings to a guaranteed $532 million. In 2022, he led all athletes with $126.9 million in total earnings, including $36.9 million from the Lakers and $90 million from sponsors and other ventures. In fact, he also ranked fourth on Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes recently. His total earnings in 2023 comes out to be $119.5 million.
However, how do the Slim Reaper’s riches compare to King James?
How Far Is Kevin Durant From Billoinare Status?
Kevin Durant, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history and often compared to the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, currently plays for the Phoenix Suns. However, his most significant NBA tenure was with the Seattle Supersonics, rebranding themselves as the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008. He played for this team from 2007 to 2016. Interestingly, he clenched both of his NBA Championship titles with a third team, the Golden State Warriors.
Known for sporting the number 35 on his jersey, Kevin Durant secured the NBA MVP Award in 2014 and the NBA Finals MVP Award twice (in 2017 and 2018). He’s been a part of 13 NBA All-Star games. Additionally, he has three Olympic gold medals with the USA team (in 2012, 2016, and 2020) and won the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2010.
In the 2023-24 NBA season, Durant will earn $46,407,433. His total salary over the past four years is $164,255,700. Over the last five years, his earnings nearly doubled, going from $20,158,622 in 2015-16 to $40,918,900 in 2021-22. Kevin Durant also rakes in substantial money through endorsements, thanks to his enduring popularity in the basketball world. He’s involved in venture capital through Thirty-Five LLC, a firm he established with his agent/manager, Rick Kleiman. They’ve invested in around 40 ventures, totaling an estimated $15 million. In 2014, Durant partnered with Nike in a 10-year deal estimated at $300 million, which also includes a $50 million retirement package.
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This places Durant firmly behind King James. The upcoming season will be his 17th, and it will be the 21st for King James. Both legends will face off in the Western Conference in the coming days.
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Lakers or the Suns which Team Will Make it to the post-season?
The previous season the Lakers made a late run to reach the Western Conference Finals but eventually fell to the Nuggets. Similarly, the Suns suffered a blowout loss to the Nuggets in the semi-finals. Despite the addition of KD, the Suns’ roster trembled before the Jokic and Jamal Murray. This season their roster looks fresher in the first game they handed defeat to the Warriors. In contrast, the Lakers echoed their loss to the Nuggets.
As the season progresses, it will be clear which team has a shot to make a deep run in the postseason. However, both teams have well-adjusted rosters around to make the jump to title contention.
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Who will persevere between the Lakers and the Suns? Let us know in the comments below.
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