The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful and iconic teams in NBA history. With 17 NBA championships, tied for the most in league history, they have been a powerhouse both on and off the court. With great power comes great expenditure, and the Lakers have never shied away from shelling out big bucks to acquire top talent. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane to explore the highest-paid Lakers players every season since 2000.
1999-00 Season – Shaquille O’Neal – $17,142,858
The Beginning of the Dynasty
In the 1999-2000 NBA season, Shaquille O’Neal earned a whopping $17,142,858, making him the highest-paid player on the Lakers roster. This was the first year of what would become a three-peat championship dynasty for the Lakers. O’Neal was at the peak of his powers, dominating on both ends of the floor and winning the league MVP award.
Salary Table for 1999-2000 Season
| Player | Salary |
|---|---|
| Shaquille O’Neal | $17,142,858 |
| Kobe Bryant | $9,000,000 |
| Glen Rice | $7,000,000 |
| Ron Harper | $5,000,000 |
| A.C. Green | $4,500,000 |
2000-01 Season – Shaquille O’Neal – $19,285,715
Another Ring, Another Raise
After a championship win in the previous season, Shaq’s salary increased to $19,285,715. Not surprisingly, he remained the highest-paid Laker, and his on-court performance justified every penny. The Lakers dominated the postseason, going 15-1, and winning their second consecutive NBA championship.
Salary Table for 2000-2001 Season
| Player | Salary |
|---|---|
| Shaquille O’Neal | $19,285,715 |
| Kobe Bryant | $10,130,000 |
| Horace Grant | $7,317,000 |
| Ron Harper | $5,259,000 |
| Rick Fox | $4,100,000 |
2001-02 Season – Shaquille O’Neal – $21,428,572
Three-peat and More Millions
The Lakers continued their dominance in the 2001-02 season, and Shaq’s paycheck reflected the trend. Earning $21,428,572 for the season, O’Neal helped lead the Lakers to their third consecutive championship, marking a successful three-peat.
Salary Table for 2001-2002 Season
| Player | Salary |
|---|---|
| Shaquille O’Neal | $21,428,572 |
| Kobe Bryant | $11,250,000 |
| Derek Fisher | $7,000,000 |
| Robert Horry | $5,400,000 |
| Rick Fox | $4,600,000 |
2002-03 Season – Shaquille O’Neal – $23,571,429
The End of the Run
The 2002-03 season was the end of the road for the Lakers’ championship dynasty, but Shaq remained the highest-paid player with a salary of $23,571,429. Although they couldn’t secure another championship, O’Neal’s impact was still unquestionable.
Salary Table for 2002-2003 Season
| Player | Salary |
|---|---|
| Shaquille O’Neal | $23,571,429 |
| Kobe Bryant | $12,375,000 |
| Derek Fisher | $7,300,000 |
| Robert Horry | $5,500,000 |
| Devean George | $4,800,000 |
2003-04 Season – Shaquille O’Neal – $24,749,999
The Farewell Season for Shaq in LA
The 2003-04 season marked Shaq’s final year as a Laker, and he was the highest-paid player for the fifth consecutive season, earning a remarkable $24,749,999. Though the Lakers reached the NBA Finals, they fell to the Detroit Pistons, leading to O’Neal’s departure in a blockbuster trade to the Miami Heat.
Salary Table for 2003-2004 Season
| Player | Salary |
|---|---|
| Shaquille O’Neal | $24,749,999 |
| Kobe Bryant | $13,500,000 |
| Gary Payton | $5,408,700 |
| Karl Malone | $4,500,000 |
| Derek Fisher | $4,400,000 |
Conclusion
The Lakers have had a history of paying top dollar for their stars, and Shaquille O’Neal was no exception. During his time in Los Angeles, he was consistently the highest-paid player on the roster, and arguably, no player had a bigger impact on the Lakers’ championship success from 2000 to 2004. The Lakers understood the value of a superstar and didn’t hesitate to invest in one, a philosophy that has made them one of the most successful franchises in sports history.
Read More: The 5 Highest Paid Players in Golden State Warriors History