38-Year-Old LeBron James Distances Himself From Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to Remain NBA’s Highest-Paid Star in 2023

NBA players are some of the highest-paid professionals in the world. NBA player salaries are increasing, exemplified by Jaylen Brown’s record-breaking five-year contract worth $288.26 million. It’s the highest in the history of the league. But Jaylen doesn’t even come close to the highest-earning NBA superstars for 2023.

LeBron James dominates the list, as he will earn roughly 25% more than any of his colleagues. Superstars and league veterans Stephan Curry and Kevin Durant have also found a place among the NBA’s elite earners.

Highest Earners in NBA

LeBron James has amassed a worldwide following due to his basketball skills. Right from the moment he entered the NBA in 2003, people dubbed him the “Chosen One”. And LeBron hasn’t disappointed. In fact, he might have even exceeded his potential. The level of consistency LeBron has shown in his two decades in the NBA is nothing short of spectacular.

For that reason, he has become one of the most marketable faces in the world. LeBron will earn $127.6 million in the 2023-24 season, with $80 million coming in as endorsements.

As per Sportico, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are second and fourth, respectively, for the highest-earning NBA players of 2023. Both Curry and Durant have enjoyed long and successful NBA careers. Between 2016 to 2019, Curry and Durant led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA Finals, winning two in the process. Steph won another NBA title in 2022, beating the Celtics in six games.

In 2023, Stephen Curry’s earnings will amount to $101.9 million, including a significant $50 million from endorsement deals. On the other hand, Kevin Durant is set to make $88.4 million in total earnings, with a notable $42 million of that sum stemming from endorsement agreements.

Their Other Income Streams

NBA players tend to invest their earnings into multiple revenue-generating streams, in order to secure their and their family’s future. They look to diversify their investment portfolio, as that provides a degree of security against potential future risks. LeBron has a lifetime deal with Nike, which annually nets him $30 million. He has also invested in companies like AT&T, Beats, Crypto.com, GMC, and PepsiCo, while Curry pitches for Callaway, CarMax, Rakuten, and Subway.

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In April, Curry renewed his collaboration with Under Armour and assumed the role of president for UA’s Curry Brand. Under Armour has also offered stock options worth $75 million, which vest in 2029 and 2034. KD followed in LeBron’s footsteps and signed a lifetime contract with Nike in 2023. Kevin Durant primarily directs his investments toward the sports industry.

He has made significant investments in Athletes Unlimited, Gotham FC, League One Volleyball, Philadelphia Union, Premier Lacrosse League, National Cycling League, Major League Pickleball, and TMRW Sports.

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