Lakers paying Kevon Looney same salary that 76ers signed LeBron James for originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.LeBron James didn't want to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for another season. He made that much clear even as his free agent decision dragged on.If he had wanted to come back, money certainly wouldn't have been a problem.James agreed to his deal to join the Philadelphia 76ers, and that's set to pay him the veteran minimum.For the 2026-27 season, James will be paid $3.9 million, and thanks to the rules around the vet minimum, it will actually only count $2.4 million against the salary cap.The irony, of course, is that players around the league who are nowhere near LeBron's caliber will also be making that amount of money this season.One going viral for this very reason is Kevon Looney. The former Golden State Warriors center has joined the Lakers, and yep, same salary as King James:LeBron and Kevon Looney are making the same salary this season pic.twitter.com/9yDKMLmfQS Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 26, 2026MORE:The Process culminates with LeBron JamesLooney is far from alone.The Boston Celtics, for example, are paying Mike Conley the veteran minimum salary, making him equal on the cap sheet to James.This was part of the reality for James, though, who wanted to join a contender -- and very few contenders had much more to offer.On the high end, the Miami Heat could've offered close to $7 million per year, but nothing near a max contract from any of the teams James was considering.He's earned plenty of money. He wants to chase one more title.He left the Lakers to do it, joining the 76ers, and in that spot on the salary cap sheet, Los Angeles is left with Looney.More NBA news:NBA Reddit thinks Cooper Flagg grew 2 inchesHow Heat can unite Giannis with his brothersCaleb Wilson fires a subtle shot at AJ Dybantsa, Darryn PetersonGiannis legacy with the Bucks remains intactA hint at where Bronny James will play next season