Paul, a 12-time All-Star and one of James' best friends in the league, played on a $10.5 million contract last season. He's earned nearly $401 million during his 20-year playing career and is also a successful businessman and pitchman away from the court.

LeBron James is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Over the course of 22 years in the NBA, he's scored more points than anyone else in the history of the association, won four MVP awards and won four NBA championships with three different franchises.

Lakers star LeBron James has exercised his $52.6-million option as expected. He is poised to become the first NBA player to compete during 23 seasons.