Kobe Bryant is once again the NBA's highest-paid player.
Bryant, in his 20th NBA season, will make $25 million this season. But this will almost certainly be his last season on top of the rankings, as his contract is up next summer. And even if he continues to play, he will have to take a steep pay cut.
The players aiming to take Bryant's spot next season include the game's biggest names.
Here are this season's 25 highest-paid players in the NBA and how their contracts break down, with data provided by Spotrac.
#1 Kobe Bryant — $25 million
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: Shooting Guard
Contract: 2 years, $48.5 million
One thing to know: Kobe Bryant is on the last year of his contract, and there is speculation that, at 37, this could be his final season. And yet Bryant has never said this and Phil Jackson doesn't think Kobe is ready to retire. But will the Lakers want him back? Some think the team should play hard ball with Kobe if he decides to keep playing.
#2 Joe Johnson — $24.9 million
Team: Brooklyn Nets
Position: Shooting Guard
Contract: 6 years, $123.7 million
One thing to know: Johnson has made $173.8 million in his career, making him one of the 25 highest-paid NBA players of all time.
#3 LeBron James — $23 million
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Position: Small Forward
Contract: 2 years, $47 million
One thing to know: LeBron keeps signing one-year contracts in order to take advantage of the upcoming surge in the salary cap, and it's going to make him millions.
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