Forbes: Kobe Bryant is NBA's top-earning player

Just as the Lakers are the NBA's most valuable franchise, the team's star player Kobe Bryant is also the league's top-earning player, Forbes Magazine announced Wednesday (Thursday Philippine time).

 

Bryant, a 1996 first round pick, earned $52.2 million last year, thanks to endorsements, as well as his Lakers salary.

 

The 33-year-old Lakers stalwart is currently in the first year of an $87 million contract extension, signed last April 2, 2010, and will earn $25.244 million this season.

 

According to the Forbes report, Bryant has among his portfolio of endorsements, deals with Nike, Smart Car, Panini and Turkish Airlines, paying him an estimated $28 million each year.

 

Lebron James is second on the list at $49 million per year, earning $16.022 million this season. He also has endorsements with Nike, along with several other American brands: Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, State Farm and Upper Deck.

 

Dwight Howard rounds out the top three with earnings of $28.9 million. Howard is currently being paid $17.885 million by the Orlando Magic, but his contract contains a player option, allowing him to give up $19.261 million next year to look for another deal. 

 

1. Kobe Bryant ($52.2 million)

2. LeBron James ($49 million)

3. Dwight Howard ($28.9 million)

4. Dwyane Wade ($27.7 million)

5. Carmelo Anthony ($26.5 million)

6. (tie) Amare Stoudemire ($26.2 million)

6. Kevin Garnett ($26.2 million)

8. Kevin Durant ($24.5 million)

9. Tim Duncan ($23.3 million)

10. Chris Paul ($22.4 million)  — JVP, GMA News