LeBron James world’s highest paid athlete when endorsements factored in

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LeBron James is the world’s highest-paid athlete when on and off-court earnings are considered.

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James, 37, earned $127 million U.S. during the last 12 months, according to Sportico.

The Los Angeles Lakers star made more than ever before in the past year, according to the report, through his salary with the Lakers and his endorsements, including from Nike.

James was first, followed by soccer superstars Lionel Messi ($122 million), Cristiano Ronaldo ($115 million) and Neymar ($103 million), followed by boxer Canelo Alvarez ($89 million).

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The top 100 athletes earned an estimated $4.5 billion in salary, endorsements and prize money in the last 12 months, up 6% over the previous year, according to Sportico.

James also has a stake in Liverpool.

His fellow basketball superstars Stephen Curry ($86.2 million) and Kevin Durant ($85.9 million) sit sixth and seventh on the list.

Tennis player Naomi Osaka was the highest-paid female athlete at $53.2 million, which put her 20th on the list. Serena Williams ($35.3 million, 53 on the list) was the only other female athlete listed.

Canadian Andrew Wiggins just made the cut at 100 on the list.

NBA players were the most well-represented, with 36 of the 100 athletes coming from professional basketball.