NBA: LeBron James is the 8th highest-paid sportsperson in the world

American Magazine Forbes has revealed the highest-earning sportspersons in the world. Forbes performs the survey every year to analyse player earnings through contracts, endorsements and prize money. This year's list is topped by Lionel Messi. 

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LeBron James, the highest-earning NBA player

LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers forward, was the first basketball player on the list. LeBron ranked number eight on the list and earned a reported $89 million last year. He joined the Lakers, to much fanfare, in 2018 on a reported four-year $153 million contract. LeBron has also been an active investor as he, along with his partners, owns 21 'Blaze Pizza' franchises throughout Chicago and South Florida. Out of the $89 million he earned, $36 came in salary and winnings while $53 came in endorsements.

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Steph Curry and Kevin Durant follow

Golden State Warriors superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant follow LeBron on the list as they are placed in the 9th and the 10th spot respectively. Curry earned $79.8 million in the last years. His salary/winnings made him $37.8 million while his endorsements made him $42 million. Durant, on the other hand, made $65.4 million out of which $35 million were from his endorsements.

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The Top 10

1. Lionel Messi - FC Barcelona - Football
2. Cristiano Ronaldo - Juventus - Football
3. Neymar Jr. - Paris Saint-Germain - Football
4. Canelo Alvarez - Boxing
5. Roger Federer - Tennis
6. Russell Wilson - Seattle Seahawks - American Football
7. Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers - American Football
8. LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers - Basketball
9. Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors - Basketball
10. Kevin Durant - Golden State Warriors - Basketball

Are any cricketers on the list?

The final entry on the hundred player list is the Indian captain, Virat Kohli. Kohli ranks 100 on the list and has earned a total of $25 million in the last year. His salary and winnings have only fetched him $4 million but his endorsements have earned him a mammoth $21 million.

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