For many NBA fans, the Michael Jordan vs LeBron James debate still tilts toward Air Jordan.
But when it comes to the one thing that makes the world go around, The King has it all.
James debuted in 2003 as a 19-year-old straight out of high school, just as Jordan was leaving the league for the last time.
Since then, the native of Akron, Ohio has won four NBA championships and four MVPs — and made a ton of money playing basketball for living.
James’ latest big decision saw the league’s all-time leading scorer re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $104 million maximum contract that includes a no-trade clause, according to ESPN.
Now, LeBron can play with his son, Bronny, who was recently drafted by the Lakers at No. 55 overall and became emotional after hearing his name called near the end of the second round.
LeBron has played for Cleveland, Miami, Cleveland again and the Lakers during an unprecedented run that will soon enter Year 22.
He made $4 million as a rookie and didn’t break $10 million in a season until 2007 with the Cavs.
In fact, LeBron had to return to Cleveland to surpass $20 million in a year.
But as time has stacked up, so has the cash.
Set to make $104 million if he plays the next two years with the Lakers — retirement after this season is also an option — LeBron would have accumulated a stunning $583 million in his legendary career.
And that doesn’t include all his massive endorsement money, which has seen The King regularly appear on TVs across the globe and in Hollywood movies.
Jordan has done just fine financially.
One of the most famous athletes of all-time and a man with a perfect 6-0 record in the NBA Finals recently became the first sports star to crack the Forbes 400.
In doing so, MJ surpassed an astonishing $3 billion in net worth.
But on the NBA hardwood, playing in a different era clearly held back a player widely recognized as the basketball GOAT.
Jordan only made $555,000 as a rookie.
He didn’t break $1 million a year until his fifth pro season.
And it wasn’t until his 33rd year on Earth that MJ surpassed $10 million in an NBA season.
He was woefully underpaid during his initial four world championships with the Bulls, then finally made $30 million a year in 1996.
Altogether, Jordan accumulated more than $93 million during his time with Chicago.
But few fans know he only made $1 million a year during his end-of-career, two-season run with the Washington Wizards.
If James makes his new $104 million with the Lakers, he will have made $490 million more than Air Jordan in the NBA.
But considering that Jordan is currently worth more than $3 billion, it’s safe to say that The King and MJ are both doing fine at the bank.