‘The basketball world was not only astonished to learn that LeBron James was going to join the Sixers, but also when it discovered what his new salary will be. For his twenty-fourth season in the NBA, extending what was already a record, the legendary player will sign for $3.88 million. Coming from the $52.63 million he earned last season with the Lakers, this is the biggest pay cut in NBA history. It will be almost 93% less.’

Trying to win a new ring, which would be his fifth, LeBron has decided to sign with the Sixers earning the minimum salary for a player with 10 years of experience in the NBA. His new salary will be the lowest he has ever received in his career. Not even in the 2003-04 season, when he was a rookie, did he earn so little. Back then, he made $4.0 million.

Jason Kelce jumps out of his seat after learning that LeBron James is coming to Philadelphia

On the list of the highest-paid NBA players next season, LeBron will rank 298th. Stephen Curry, who will once again top that ranking, will earn $62.5 million, 15 times more than him. On his new team, the Sixers, the newly arrived Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid will earn $57.7 million.

By way of other comparisons, Santi Aldama, the highest-paid Spaniard at present, will reach 17 million dollars. Aday Mara, number 12 in the latest draft, will even surpass the legend with 5.7, and Sergio De Larrea, selected 25th, will come close with 3.1.

“For value for money, it could be a bargain”

At 41 years old, the legend averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists last season while playing more than 33 minutes per game. Astonishing numbers for someone his age, and they do not match his new salary. Forwards with statistics similar to LeBron’s are usually around 40 million dollars. In terms of value for money, the Sixers may have signed a bargain.

But he can afford such a huge cut in his earnings because he is driven more by the desire to win a ring than to add to a bank account that is already overflowing. Over the last 14 years, he has received the maximum salary, and throughout his career he has earned more than 580 million dollars in NBA contracts alone. He is one of the players who have made the most money in their career. Not to mention the numerous advertising deals he has secured, especially a lifetime one with Nike.

When the season ended, I was pretty convinced that I had played my last game

LeBron James

His contract with the Sixers is for two seasons, although the second is a player option. It remains to be seen whether he will honor it, because this summer, before deciding to fly to Philadelphia, he considered retirement. “I thought I was done when the season ended. I was pretty convinced that I had played my last game. I needed to take a hard look at myself and decide whether I still loved this sport. The reality is that I still love this game and feel that I still have a lot to contribute,” he said at the time. At least he has one more season left, and earning less than ever.