18-TIME NBA ALL-STAR LEBRON JAMES IS THE highest-paid athlete in the world, as per US sports business platform Sportico's 'World's Highest-Paid Athletes' rankings for 2022.
According to Sportico, the four-time NBA champion has a combined salary and endorsement earnings of $126.9 million to jump into top spot ahead of the likes of footballers Lionel Messi ($122m), Cristiano Ronaldo ($115m) and Neymar ($103m).
James earned $36.9m in terms of salary and winnings with the Lakers this season along with a staggering $90m in endorsements.