The LA Lakers are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the NBA. Last year, they managed to equal the Boston Celtics' record of most championship wins. Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers weren't keen on resting on their superstars' ability to carry the franchise to another title this season. The front office spent the league's offseason adding additional pieces to their roster. A series of astute moves have made the LA Lakers favorites again in the West.
In this article, we will have a look at who on the LA Lakers roster will earn the most in the 2020-21 NBA season, which includes two of the side's new faces.
LA Lakers highest-paid players for the 2020-21 NBA season
The LA Lakers come into the 2020-21 NBA season off the back of a dominant playoff display and are ready for a repeat. Let's have a look at the players the franchise are relying on the most and have therefore given the highest salaries.
#1 LeBron James
Easily the highest-paid player on the LA Lakers roster is their leader, LeBron James. The King needs little introduction, as he is someone who has won it all. Alongside his 4 rings, LeBron has 4 MVP and 4 Finals MVP awards and is one of the most dominant postseason players the league has ever seen.
The LA Lakers showed their trust that LeBron will continue his exceptional abilities late into his career when they offered him a massive 2-year contract extension this offseason. James will earn $39 million this year before that figure jumps up to $41 million next season as part of his extension.
James was the LA Lakers standout player last season. LeBron led the league in assists with 10 a game and led his franchise to a record-equalling 17th NBA Championship.
#2 Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis comes in behind James and is on $32 million this season after LeBron had pushed the LA Lakers front office to bring in the power forward. Davis didn't disappoint in his first season with the team.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers in scoring and rebounds, which earned him a contract extension as well. His new deal amounts to $190 million over 5 years. He was unlucky not to win the Finals MVP award and at his position was one of the most un-guardable players during the postseason.
Davis will inevitably be handed the baton from LeBron when he either leaves for another side or retires and become the face of the franchise. Until then, both he and LeBron will dominate the NBA and could potentially three-peat, which would bring James level with Jordan on championship rings.
Also Read: All about Lakers Rings
#3 Dennis Schröder
Outside the LA Lakers' two big-hitters, we arrive at the franchise's new point guard, Dennis Schröder. The German arrived at the Lakers this offseason from the Oklahoma City Thunder and will earn $15.5 million this year. Intent on improving their championship-caliber roster, Schröder's 18.9 points and 4 assists off the bench for OKC is an upgrade on Danny Green, who went the opposite way in the trade.
With such a high salary, Schröder can be expected to start for the LA Lakers, especially after his comments to the media that he no longer wants to be a sixth man. Schröder will prove to be an integral part of any Lakers hopes to win another championship this season. He is a young and talented guard who will learn a lot from LeBron James, with who he can share the role of offensive leader on the floor.
#4 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
At No.4 on our list is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who will earn just over $12 million in the 2020-21 NBA season after he re-signed with the side on a 3-year deal. One of the LA Lakers standout performers of their playoff run, Caldwell-Pope earned his new contract as the third scorer alongside LeBron and AD. In the Lakers' Finals series with the Miami Heat, the shooting guard had five double-digit games in the last three of which he averaged 16 points.
#5 Montrezl Harrell
Among the LA Lakers offseason trades was their shrewd move to acquire Montrezl Harrell from their city rivals, the LA Clippers. Harrell was named Sixth Man of the Year last season and will earn $9.25 million in his first season with the franchise. In Harrell, the Lakers have an excellent rotation piece at the center spot along with their other new signing Marc Gasol.
Harrell has continued to improve year on year and had his best season yet with the Clippers, averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds from the bench. In both Harrell and Schröder, the LA Lakers have added points scorers and hustlers on defense. The Los Angeles side can expect Harrell to repeat his feat as Sixth Man of the Year and will provide an alternative for Vogel's line-up selection should he choose to start with a more traditional Center in Gasol.
