The argument between LeBron James and Michael Jordan still leans toward Air Jordan among many NBA fans.
But The King has everything when it comes to the one thing that keeps the globe turning. Right out of high school, James made his professional debut in 2003, the same year that Jordan was making his final exit from the league as a 19-year-old. Since then, the Ohio native from Akron has earned four NBA titles, four MVP awards, and a substantial salary from playing basketball full-time. The league’s all-time top scorer, Lebron James, re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $104 million maximum contract that includes a no-trade clause as a result of his most recent major decision, as reported by ESPN.
Now that Bronny, LeBron’s kid, has been selected by the Lakers at No. 55 overall, he may play with his father. Near the end of the second round, Bronny felt emotional upon hearing his name called. LeBron has participated in an incredible run that will shortly enter Year 22 for Cleveland, Miami, Cleveland once more, and the Lakers. His first season salary was $4 million, and it wasn’t until 2007 that he made over $10 million with the Cavaliers.
In fact, LeBron had to return to Cleveland to surpass $20 million in a year.
But as time has stacked up, so has the cash.
Estimated to earn $104 million should he play for the Lakers for the next two seasons (he may choose to retire after this season), LeBron would have amassed an incredible $583 million over the course of his illustrious career. Not to mention all of his enormous endorsement budget, which has allowed The King to frequently appear on television shows all around the world and in Hollywood productions. Rewind to the time when LeBron James’ choice of the Miami Heat in his free agency dramatically altered the NBA and infuriated fans all around the league.
Jordan has done just fine financially.
The first sports celebrity to reach the Forbes 400 is none other than one of the most well-known athletes of all time, having gone undefeated in the NBA Finals with a perfect 6-0 record.
In doing so, MJ surpassed an astonishing $3 billion in net worth.
But on the NBA hardwood, playing in a different era clearly held back a player widely recognized as the basketball GOAT.
Jordan only made $555,000 as a rookie.
He didn’t break $1 million a year until his fifth pro season.
And Michael Jackson didn’t make more than $10 million in an NBA season until his 33rd year of life. After winning four world championships with the Bulls, he was terribly underpaid until 1996, when he eventually got $30 million annually. almost his tenure with Chicago, Jordan earned almost $93 million in total. However, not many fans are aware that he only made $1 million annually during his two-season, career-ending stint with the Washington Wizards. In the NBA, James will have earned $490 million more than Air Jordan if he makes his new $104 million with the Lakers.
But it’s safe to assume that The King and MJ are both doing well at the bank given that Jordan is currently worth more than $3 billion.
