While Stephen Curry earns $55 million with the Warriors, this is what Luka Doncic makes with the Lakers

Exactly two months ago, one of the most significant trades in NBA history went down. Luka Doncic, the star guard from the Dallas Mavericks, was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he is playing alongside LeBron James. With Doncic arrival to Los Angeles, the list of the highest-paid players in the league changed, and Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry may have lost his position in the top 3.

Despite the move to Los Angeles, Doncic is still under the contract he signed with Dallas during his last extension. In fact, when the trade took place, the 24-year-old guard had to forgo the opportunity to sign a “supermax” extension, which he qualified for after making the All-NBA team. This decision cost him a potential $69 million per year, which would have made him the highest-paid player in NBA history.

While the player generated significant buzz with his arrival in the Lakers, Luka Doncic remains one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. However, he fails to crack the top 10, with other players, such as Zach LaVine, surpassing him on the list.

That title currently belongs to Stephen Curry, who earns $55 million annually with the Golden State Warriors. Curry, the greatest shooter of all time, remains the highest-paid player in the league, outpacing Doncic by $12 million. As of now, Doncic’s annual salary totals $43,031,940.

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on March 10, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

The top 20 highest-paid NBA players with Doncic included

While NBA players earn significant amounts from endorsements and product partnerships, the following list highlights their salaries based solely on their team contracts, according to Hoops Hype.

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LeBron James makes something clear about Lakers’ powerful offense with Doncic and Reaves

Top 20 Highest-Paid NBA Players

1. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors): $55,761,216
2. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers): $51,415,938
3. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets): $51,415,938
4. Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns): $51,179,938
5. Bradley Beal (Phoenix Suns): $50,203,930
6. Paul George (Philadelphia 76ers): $49,205,800
7. Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers): $49,205,800
8. Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns): $49,205,800
9. Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics): $49,205,800
10. Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks): $49,205,800
11. Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors): $48,796,677
12. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks): $48,787,676
13. Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks): $48,787,676
14. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers): $48,728,845
15. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): $43,827,587
16. Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks): $43,219,440
17. Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks): $43,031,940
18. Zach LaVine (Sacramento Kings): $43,031,940
19. Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers): $43,031,940
20. Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets): $42,846,615

Details of Doncic’s trade to the Lakers

After the Mavericks and Lakers quietly initiated discussions for a trade, the general managers of both teams, Rob Pelinka and Nico Harrison, worked out the details behind closed doors. The deal didn’t solely revolve around Anthony Davis and Doncic; several other players were involved in the transaction.

Here’s how the trade for Doncic to the Lakers unfolded:

• Los Angeles Lakers received: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris.
• Dallas Mavericks received: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 First-Round Draft Pick.
• Utah Jazz received: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via LA Clippers), 2025 Second-Round Pick (via Dallas).