Believe it or not, LeBron James has never had a max contract in his NBA career. He’s not hurting for cash by any stretch, but it’s interesting when you think about it. Sports Illustrated just released their annual list of the highest paid athletes in America and LeBron is second on the list. In fact, there are three NBAers in the top 10: James (2), Kobe Bryant (4) and Derrick Rose (7). The NBA is also the only sport where there are 3 players in the top 10 (Numbers 11 and 12 are NBAers too, by the way — Wade and Durant respectively).
There are other notable shifts this year. LeBron James (No. 2) passed Kobe Bryant (No. 4). Tiger Woods (No. 5) is back above Phil Mickelson (No. 6)—thanks to $4 million more in tour winnings. Drew Brees wasn’t on last year’s list but he burst into the top five thanks to a $37 million signing bonus from his new contract.
The findings consist solely of salary, winnings, bonuses and endorsements. SI consulted players’ associations, tour records, online databases, agents and media reports. The endorsement estimates come from a stable of marketing executives, agents and other experts, including Burns Entertainment & Sports Marketing.
See the full list at SI.com
