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In addition to the breakdown of the NBA's most valuable teams, Forbes also offered up the league's highest-paid players Wednesday (Jan. 22)... and it's Kobe Bryant sitting atop the list.
The Lakers superstar is in the final season of a three-year, $83.5 million contract extension, in which he earns the NBA's highest salary this season at $30.5 million. Coupled with various endorsements -- including Turkish Air, Sprite, Nike and Hublot -- Kobe raked in a reported $64.5 million in earnings over the past year, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
LeBron James ranks second on the list with overall earnings of $61.1 million, thanks to his status as the NBA's best player and back-to-back NBA titles. Off the court, he brought in $42 million, thanks to deals with Nike, McDonald's Coca-Cola, and Dunkin Donuts.
At #3 is Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose with $38.6 million -- $17.6 million from his NBA salary, and $21 million from endorsements and other deals such as a his shoe deal with Adidas.
OKC's Kevin Durant lands at #4 with $31.8 million, and Dwyane Wade closes out the top 5 with $30.7 million.
Check out the full breakdown at Forbes.com.
The Lakers superstar is in the final season of a three-year, $83.5 million contract extension, in which he earns the NBA's highest salary this season at $30.5 million. Coupled with various endorsements -- including Turkish Air, Sprite, Nike and Hublot -- Kobe raked in a reported $64.5 million in earnings over the past year, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
LeBron James ranks second on the list with overall earnings of $61.1 million, thanks to his status as the NBA's best player and back-to-back NBA titles. Off the court, he brought in $42 million, thanks to deals with Nike, McDonald's Coca-Cola, and Dunkin Donuts.
At #3 is Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose with $38.6 million -- $17.6 million from his NBA salary, and $21 million from endorsements and other deals such as a his shoe deal with Adidas.
OKC's Kevin Durant lands at #4 with $31.8 million, and Dwyane Wade closes out the top 5 with $30.7 million.
Check out the full breakdown at Forbes.com.