LeBron James react
Oct 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after scoring a layup while being fouled in the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. Reuters

Forbes recently released a list of the highest paid NBA athletes. The league is about to increase the salary cap, giving more opportunities for teams to acquire expensive talented players. LeBron James is arguably the most dominant player in the NBA today, but it does not equate to having the highest salary. Here is a list of the highest paid NBA players 2014 who earn more than the Cavalier.

1. Kobe Bryant

In the list presented by Forbes.com, Kobe Bryant will earn a total of $64.5 million, $34 million from endorsements and $30.5 million from his salary. In November 2013, he signed a contract for two years valued at $48.5 million, putting him at the No. 1 spot in terms of earnings.

2. Amar'e Stoudemire

In an ESPN report, the New York Knicks power forward will rake in $23,410,988. The Knicks initially wanted to acquire LeBron James from Miami Heat but opted for Amar'e when King James went back to Cleveland.

3. Joe Johnson

The small forward of the Brooklyn Nets will earn $23,180,790. He signed a contract for six years, worth $123.7 million with the Atlanta Hawks in 2010. Sports Illustrated wrote that many NBA experts referred to Johnson's contract as the "worst" and "most overpaid" in the league.

4. Carmelo Anthony

The small forward of the New York Knicks is set to earn $22,458,401 in the 2014-2015 NBA season. He signed a huge contract for five years with the Knicks worth almost $130 million.

5. Dwight Howard

Howard will earn $21,436,271 in the current season. The Houston Rockets center also has earnings as an endorser of brands like Adidas and McDonald's.

6. Chris Bosh

LeBron James' former teammate will earn $20,644,400. In the same ESPN report, the Miami Heat center signed a 5-year maximum contract with the Heat.

LeBron James is on the seventh slot of the highest paid NBA players 2014, with $20,644,400, based on an article by Fox Sports. Although he opted to earn a smaller salary by transferring back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, majority of his income comes from endorsements from Nike, among others. In terms of out-of-court earnings, LeBron is one of the highest paid in all of sports.