Professional sports leagues are fascinating and inspiring. Every year, millions of sports fans in the US and beyond observe their favorite athletes get out on the field and prove their professionalism in the sports arena. We love them, we cheer for them, and the youngest of us strive to become like them.
The success stories of national league athletes are truly inspiring. No wonder so many students strive to get into sports and reach the same level of professionalism. To do this, students find professional paper writing services to do my essay cheap and spend hours training instead of studying. But why are young people putting so much effort into this? Of course, fame and money are the two biggest motivations.
But how much exactly can you make in, let’s say, the NBA?
While the beginning of this year’s NBA season is still a long time ahead, Sportico has already published its list of the top 100 highest-paying athletes in 2022. So, let’s look at the list of top-earning NBA players this year!
1. LeBron James
$126.9 million
One of the league’s biggest stars, LeBron James, has surpassed everyone this year. According to Sportico’s list, he became the #1 highest-paying athlete in the world in 2022. He even overshadowed the world’s top three soccer superstars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar. LeBron managed to increase his salary by almost three times through endorsement deals. He’s a truly inspiring role model to follow.
2. Stephen Curry
$86.2 million
The next top earner among NBA superstars is Stephen Curry. Of course, compared to LeBron James’ $126.9 million, Stephen’s salary is significantly lower. Yet, he was ranked #6 in the overall athletes’ rating. So, he is also among those people young athletes want to look up to. So, if you are a student basketball player, keep working hard. Don’t hesitate to read the WritePaper review by Essay-Reviews to find your perfect academic assistant and delegate your papers to be able to put more effort into your sporting career. The example of Stephen Curry is one more piece of evidence that you can win the pick for the NBA if your college career goes well.
3. Kevin Durant
$85.9 million
Kevin Durant takes third place among the top-earning NBA players and seventh place among all athletes in the world. Kevin Durant is widely known as one of the US’s biggest basketball stars. He is a winner of numerous medals and titles, including the best USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (which he won twice in his career). Kevin’s base salary at this point is $37.9 million, and he earned an additional $48 million through endorsement.
4. James Harden
$76 million
The next top earner on our list is a star of the Philadelphia 76ers and the best shooting guard in the league. James Harden’s career has been developing rapidly ever since he joined the NBA. In 2022, he has a salary of $40 million, plus an additional endorsement income of $36 million. His total earnings of $76 million bring him to the fourth spot among NBA players and the ninth spot among all athletes.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
$71.9 million
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the player for the Milwaukee Bucks and six-times winner of the All-Stars selection, is also one of the top-earning NBA players. According to Sportico, his overall rank is 12th in the world. And his story of success is one of the most inspiring of all. A Nigerian immigrant born and raised in Athens, Greece, Giannis started out playing in the Greek League All-Star Game. In 2013, he made himself eligible for the NBA draft, and his career skyrocketed. After less than ten years with the Bucks, Giannis now has a salary of $35.9 million and earns $36 million in endorsements.
6. Russel Westbrook
$69.8 million
Right after Giannis Antetokounmpo, Russel Westbrook takes 13th rank in Sportico’s rating of the top 100 highest-earning athletes. He has a salary of $39.8 million and makes an additional $30 million thanks to endorsement deals. Russel is also a player for the Lakers, like LeBron James. And though his earnings are far behind his co-player, Russel Westbrook is still widely recognized as one of the league’s top earners.
7. Klay Thompson
$54.2 million
Finally, Klay Thompson is the last one on our list of NBA players with the highest salaries in 2022. The superstar of the Golden State Warriors has a salary of $34.2 million and endorsements constituting $20 million, which brings him to the 18th spot in the world’s ranking.
To Sum Up
These are the highest-paying NBA stars of 2022. Their stories can’t help but inspire. Each of them is an example of how hard work, dedication, and professionalism can pay off.
So, if you are a student basketball player looking for a role model to look up to, the players we’ve told you about earlier would be great options.
