LeBron James
NBA superstar LeBron James was one of the highest-paid players in the league during the 2017-2018 season. He is pictured on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason Miller/Getty Images

LeBron James has collected some serious NBA paychecks, earning $234 million over 15 seasons since making his professional debut at age 18. As he enters his 16th season, the 33-year-old's wealth continues to grow after agreeing to a $154 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James made $33.28 million last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Spotrac. As a result of his new contract with Los Angeles, James will be a few million dollars richer with a salary of $35.65 million for the 2018-19 season. He will earn $37.43 million in his second year, $39.21 million in the third year and $41 million in his fourth year.

The four-time MVP's deal includes a player option in the final year of the agreement, meaning that he’ll be a Laker at least through the 2020-21 season, according to ESPN. This is the longest deal James has agreed to since leaving the Cavs in 2010 and signing a six-year contract with the Miami Heat.

After the Golden State Warriors swept the Cavs in the NBA Finals, reports swirled that the three-time NBA champion would likely leave Cleveland. James reportedly chose the Lakers over the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs.

The former Cavs star decided to exercise his $35.6 million 2018-19 player option, which made him an unrestricted free agent this summer. Had James opted to stay with the Cavs, he could have received a max deal worth $207 million.

According to Spotrac, James' calculated cash earnings since he entered the league has increased by $37 million.

Due to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement for rookie contracts, the Cavs paid James $4.02 million in his first season, $4.32 million in 2004-05 and $4.62 million in 2005-06.

LeBron James Salary History

2003-04 Cleveland ($4,018,290)

2004-05 Cleveland ($4,320,360)

2005-06 Cleveland ($4,621,800)

2006-07 Cleveland ($5,828,090)

2007-08 Cleveland ($13,041,25)

2008-09 Cleveland ($14,410,581)

2009-10 Cleveland ($15,779,912)

2010-11 Miami ($14,500,000)

2011-12 Miami ($12,896,159)

2012-13 Miami ($17,545,000)

2013-14 Miami ($19,067,500)

2014-15 Cleveland ($20,644,400)

2015-16 Cleveland ($22,970,500)

2016-17 Cleveland ($30,963,450)

2017-18 Cleveland ($33,285,709)

2018-19 Lakers ($35,654,150)

2019-20 Lakers ($37,436,858)

2020-21 Lakers ($39,219,565)

2021-22 Lakers ($41,002,273)

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