There could be a book written by people on why Michael Jordan or LeBron James deserves to be the true #1 GOAT. Many legends and analysts have chimed in on the debate and have sides for their favorite one. And now a new chapter has been added to the book since LeBron signed a new contract. As per ESPN, the Lakers legend has accepted a two-year contract worth $104 million. And the comparison has begun rampantly with the Chicago Bulls legend contract.
Michael Jordan’s last game in the NBA came on April 16, 2003, and LeBron’s first career NBA game was on Oct. 29, 2003. And ever since many believed him to be the next face of the league. Last year, LeBron entered the All-Star selection for his 20th consecutive selection. Also, he broke the 40,000-point club, further cementing his legacy.
Now, as the contract is reportedly sorted, King James’ contract once again broke Michael Jordan’s all-time career earnings in the NBA. StatMuse on X wrote, “LeBron James will make more money in his age 40 and 41 seasons than Michael Jordan made in his entire NBA career combined.” Michael Jordan earned $93,877,500 in his 15-year NBA career while in comparison LeBron James earned more than 10 million from his latest contract.
In 2014, Michael Jordan reached the Billionaire landmark. The off-court earnings of it were responsible for his earnings through endorsements such as Nike, Hanes, and Gatorade earning him $2.4 billion (pre-tax). In 2023, Jordan sold his majority share in Charlotte Hornets for reportedly $3 billion. MJ became a billionaire 30 years after his NBA debut, meanwhile, LeBron did it in a shorter time.
How did LeBron James’ come closer to Michael Jordan’s legacy
LeBron became a billionaire in June 2022. Thus, achieving the massive feat in 19 years in comparison to Jordan. King James became the first active NBA player to reach the milestone. He has upwards of $900 million (pre-tax) off the court in endorsements, as per Forbes. Just like Jordan, LeBron is part of the ownership group Fenway Sports Group and owns a stake in multiple teams. And owning an NBA team remains his dream.
Before his latest contract, LeBron’s 2023-24 veteran extension was worth $99,023,288 for 2 years. Thus, it was his first instance of earning more than Jordan’s career income. This was James’ 4th contract with Purple and Gold. Previously, he had signed for 4 years, $153,312,846 when he first moved to the franchise. Later, he signed an extension for 2021-22 2 years, $85,655,532.
LeBron has amassed $479,466,457 after his extension, as per Spotrac. So no doubt The Lakers legend has had more career earnings, but it was Michael Jordan who broke down the barriers as an athlete and opened multiple doors for the next generation in terms of endorsement deals.
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