*Nike’s $1 billion dollar investment in LeBron James just paid off considering he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA championship and Cleveland’s first pro sports title in 52 years. James signed a lifetime contract with Nike last December, one of the biggest endorsements in sports history, which further elevated him on the list of highest paid athletes.
While every NBA player makes a decent living (minimum salary is $525k), there are some that are truly able to live the high life. And athletes know how to spend their money in style. Take a look at some of the NBA’s most talent players, past and present, and their ultra-luxurious lifestyles.
LeBron James
Did you think the NBA Finals MVP wasn’t going to be living like a king? With Kobe Bryant retired, James’ lifetime Nike contract finalized, and his $24 million payroll from the Cleveland Cavaliers, King James is easily the wealthiest player in the league. Although you might think James would rock a mansion in Hollywood or a beachside villa in Miami, his main crib sits in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
While there’s no doubt that James lives in luxury and drives the world’s best cars, he’s also one of the most charitable players in the league. Just last year, LeBron spent more than $41 million so more than 1,100 kids in Ohio could attend college. Such a generous donation shows just how much cash King James has to spend.
Chris Bosh
James’ former teammate in Miami is having no trouble living large without having to share LeBron’s limelight. Bosh is still one of the highest paid players in the game (thanks to his contract as one of the Big Three) and owns mansions in both Los Angeles and South Beach, where he still plays. But it’s Bosh’s ventures off the court that make his wealth interesting. While LeBron James and Kevin Durant rack up endorsement deals, Bosh makes his millions from his own companies. One is Mr. Nice Tie, a brand of luxury neck and bow ties that you’ll often see him wearing around town paired with some stylish Ray Bans. Chris Bosh owes his millions to being a star athlete as well as an entrepreneur.
Kobe Bryant
As one of the richest players in NBA history, and widely considered to be the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time), Black Mamba is about to enjoy the good life in retirement. Valued at more than a quarter billion dollars, there isn’t a home or car Kobe can’t afford, and now he’ll have the time to play with his earnings in his down time (we know he won’t be coaching anytime soon).
Michael Jordan
You have to tip your hat to the man who does luxury better than anyone else in the history of the game. Yes, he made millions playing in Chicago. Yes, he made millions with Nike. Yes, he still makes millions as the the Charlotte Hornets’ owner. But it’s the Jordan brand and his Air Jordan Shoes that really make it happen for the game’s greatest player. His shoes are the most coveted in the world and are largely responsible for Jordan’s present day wealth. After all, that money didn’t just come from Space Jam, you know!
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