The NBA is a highly rewarding league for the all players. However, when the players enjoy the kind of success that LeBron James has over the years, the rewards are unparalleled. James has accumulated several accolades over the course of his 20 year career in the NBA. Furthermore, the Akron Hammer has also amassed tremendous wealth as just an NBA athlete. However, LeBron James’ record may be in serious trouble in just a few months.

The recent update in the United States soccer world has shocked fans worldwide. MLS team, Inter Miami acquired arguably the greatest soccer player of all time, Lionel Messi in a spectacular series of events. However, the deal Messi signed to join the team has an interesting angle.

Messi’s contract overthrows LeBron James’ record

LeBron James has made a strong case for himself to be considered the greatest basketball player of all time. The 19 time All Star has experienced success in the league like no other, breaking almost every record people thought to be unbreakable. With a resume this remarkable, James most certainly lured major contracts throughout his career. His endorsements over the years have further elevated The King to a billionaire status. However, Lionel Messi is nothing less than James, too.

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Lionel Messi made a major decision to enter the United States’ soccer world after conquering the European circuit. He has won several accolades in Europe to make a remarkable name for himself. He also famously won the FIFA World Cup in 2022 to further surmount the pinnacle of greatness. With a player of this stature deciding to join Inter Miami, it was only fair that they offer him a lucrative deal.

Messi’s deal with Inter Miami, along with salary, equity, and signing bonus, adds up to a massive $150M for two and a half years. His earnings over the course of his career, however, will surpass James’ tally of $431M to reach a whopping $1.6B. Messi, who is already ranked among the five highest earners in the history of sports, is all set to reign over this list in just 15 months. This will potentially be three times more than James’ earnings over his 20-year career in the NBA.

Messi’s significant contract overthrew James’ record, but how has James tallied his phenomenal total?

The Akron Hammer always had a high price

LeBron James has risen to legendary status over his illustrious career. The Kid From Akron grew to become the all-time leading scorer in the NBA. One of his most significant achievements was becoming a 4 time NBA champion. The 4-time league MVP played for three teams over the course of his career, delivering a championship to every team he represented. However, his services never came at a low price.

Given James’ legendary skill-set, teams have always had to pay The King a high price for his services. His rookie deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers itself was worth $18.78M. However, by the time he had to sign his rookie extension, James had made a strong case to earn much more than that.

He signed a rookie contract extension of more than $60M with the Cavaliers in 2006. He then made “The Decision” to join the Miami Heat in 2010, also luring a significant contract. The Chosen One inked a $154M contract with the Heat, making every penny worth, winning back-to-back championships with the franchise. He then joined the Cavaliers for a $42.1M contract, but soon extended it to $100M. He finally signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 for an incredible $154M contract, then extending it for $97M in 2022.

His contracts, along with his endorsements over the years, made James the first-ever active NBA player to reach billionaire status. Messi’s contract may have put the King’s record in trouble, but he has definitely reigned supreme in the NBA.

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