Top 5 Wealthiest NBA Players

With countless fans nationwide, it's no surprise that the NBA regularly rakes in billions of dollars yearly. Of course, its biggest athletes can also expect a major payout thanks to these numbers. But which ones take home the most?

5. Kobe Bryant – Worth $350 million

This world-renown basketball player is a six-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, an 18-time All Star and the third all time leading scorer in NBA history. In 2015, Bryant signed an extension with the Lakers for $48.5 million over two years.

Tragically, his 20-year Lakers career came to an end on Jan. 26, 2020, when he died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41.

4. Shaquille O’Neal – Worth $400 million

Shaquille O’Neal, also known as Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player who is currently an analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. He played for six teams throughout his 19-year NBA career.

The 7-foot 1-inch tall center was a dominant force, scoring over 28,000 points and grabbing more than 13,000 rebounds in his career. In 1996, he won both the Most Valuable Player award and Finals MVP while leading the Orlando Magic to their first championship title since 1955. He was inducted into two halls of fame (Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016; Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2017).

3. LeBron James – Worth $440 million

LeBron James is a four-time NBA MVP and a three-time NBA champion. He currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, after spending 15 years in the league with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 6-foot 9-inch tall small forward has been one of the most popular athletes in recent memory, earning over $400 million from his NBA salary and various partnerships.

2. Magic Johnson – Worth $600 million

Magic Johnson is a retired American basketball player who played point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 13 seasons.

He spent nine seasons with the Pistons before being traded to Laker management prior to the 1988–89 season; this trade helped lead Los Angeles back into contention after several years of mediocrity and rebuilding efforts following Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's retirement.

Today, he is best known for his various business ventures, including partnerships with Starbucks and 24-Hour Fitness.

1. Michael Jordan – Worth $1.7 billion

Michael Jordan had an exceptional basketball career, but he's also known for being one of the highest paid athletes in history—earning over $90 million during his last year playing professionally.

Most of his recent earnings are thanks to his endorsement deals with companies like Nike and Gatorade, which have been estimated to be worth over $100 million. His investment portfolio also includes ownership of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team.

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He currently has a net worth of over $1 billion, making him the richest athlete on this list.

Conclusion

Clearly, this list shows that with enough talent and entrepreneurial know-how, a career in the NBA can quickly turn into a billion-dollar opportunity. Of the athletes on this list, who is your favorite?