If LeBron James signs a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, the four-time MVP will increase his NBA career total to $487.6 million.
This figure does not include sponsorship deals or business investments. The amounts below only consider NBA salaries. The 19-year-old veteran is already a billionaire. However, he didn’t get to this point with NBA contracts alone.
According to Basketball-Reference, in NBA signings alone, LeBron earned an estimated $390,511,590 playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.
James didn’t make at least $30 million in a season until the 2016-17 season, the 14th season of his NBA career.
LeBron James career earnings per NBA season
Assuming James signed a two-year, $97.1 million contract with the Lakers, fans can expect the four-time NBA champion to earn roughly $48.55 million in the first year of this contract. Last month, Suns guard Devin Booker signed a four-year, $224 million supermax contract extension.
Booker will earn up to $62.062 million through the 2027-28 season. Likewise, in June, Wizards guard Bradley Bell agreed to a five-year, $251 million contract extension with the team. Beal has a player option of 57,128,610 with Washington for the 2026-27 season.
NBA season |
group |
Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2003-04 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4,018,920 dollars |
| 2004-05 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4,320,360 dollars |
| 2005-06 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4,621,800 dollars |
| 2006-07 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 5,828,090 dollars |
| 2007-08 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 13,041,250 dollars |
| 2008-09 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 14,410,581 dollars |
| 2009-10 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 15,779,912 dollars |
| 2010-11 | Miami Heat | 14,500,000 dollars |
| 2011-12 | Miami Heat | 16,022,500 dollars |
| 2012-13 | Miami Heat | 17,545,000 dollars |
| 2013-14 | Miami Heat | 19,067,500 dollars |
| 2014-15 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 20,644,400 dollars |
| 2015-16 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 22,971,000 dollars |
| 2016-17 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 30,963,450 dollars |
| 2017-18 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 33,285,709 dollars |
| 2018-19 | Los Angeles Lakers | 35,654,150 dollars |
| 2019-20 | Los Angeles Lakers | 37,436,858 dollars |
| 2020-21 | Los Angeles Lakers | 39,219,566 dollars |
| 2021-22 | Los Angeles Lakers | $41,180,544 |
| Profession | Cavaliers, Heat, Lakers |
390,511,590 dollars |
LeBron has until June 30, 2023 to sign an extension with the Lakers. On Thursday, James and agent Rich Paul of Clutch Sports met with GM Rob Pelinka to discuss the player’s new deal. Although both parties have not yet reached an agreement.
James might choose the 1+1 option. This means the player’s choice after the first year of the new contract. If he chooses not to sign a contract extension with the team, the soon-to-be 38-year-old will become a free agent next summer. The Akron, Ohio native is unlikely to return to Cleveland. But it can happen.
Will the 19-year-old veteran re-sign with the Lakers?
By the sounds of it, LeBron is happy where he is. His son, Brony James, is eligible to enter the NBA in 2024. And LeBron has been vocal about playing in the NBA with his kids. King James could play another three seasons. His salary for the 2022-23 season is set at $44,474,988.
In 56 games last season, the 18-time All-Star averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals. Next season will be the team’s first season under head coach Darwin Hamm. He also answers more questions about whether or not Russell Westbrook will suit up in Los Angeles.
More news articles about LeBron James’ career earnings and the Lakers are on the main page.
