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Forbes lists LeBron, Durant as NBA's highest-paid players

David Richard / USA TODAY Sports

For the second straight year, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James ranks as Forbes' highest earning NBA player with estimated earnings of $71 million.

James' top spot is not shocking, given his high salary ($23 million) and hefty endorsement deals, including a lifetime deal with Nike signed back in December.

The 31-year-old has made some sound investments over the past few years that have added to his fortune, owning stakes in Liverpool Football Club, SpringHill Entertainment production company, and Blaze - an assembly-line pizza franchise.

The Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant is No. 2 on the list, with estimated earnings of $56.2 million. Like James, Durant also has a lengthy deal with Nike that contributes to a large portion of his earnings, with Beats, Sparkling Ice, 2K Sports, and American Family Insurance among his other sponsors.

Kobe Bryant ($50 million), Derrick Rose ($34.1 million), and James Harden ($32.8 million) round out the top five.

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