When Skip Bayless contrasted Tom Brady with LeBron James for taking pay cut to help team win titles

Tom Brady's glorious football career has come to an end. The legendary quarterback decided to call it quits after 23 seasons in the NFL and seven Super Bowl titles.

During his career, Brady made around $333 million. LeBron James, who is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is projected to make more than $545 million by the time he retires.

While Brady and James are among the top players in the history of their respective leagues, analyst Skip Bayless was not too happy with the disparity in their earnings. Shortly after James signed his contract extension with the LA Lakers in 2022, Bayless compared his situation to Tom Brady's.

"LeBron will make $200 million more than Brady ... in 2 fewer seasons! That's bc Brady took a winner's discount to make his team better. So did Tim Duncan his last 4 yrs: 10 mil, 10 mil, 10 mil, 6 mil. Billionaire Bron: almost 50 mil in Yr 20 & 21! Lakers: no shot. Congrats, King," Bayless tweeted.

In addition to Brady, the NBA analyst brought up Tim Duncan, who also took pay cuts to help the San Antonio Spurs win championships.

Tom Brady took many pay cuts during his career

The legendary quarterback could have made at least $60 million more during his 23-year professional career. However, he decided to take pay cuts and help his teams win championships.

Gisele Bundchen, Brady's ex-wife, was a big reason why he took pay cuts. Bundchen has been one of the highest-paid models in the world for more than two decades, and that is why the football player did not have to worry about his contracts.

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During an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in 2019, the former New England Patriots quarterback said he prioritized winning over money.

“I think the thing I’ve always felt for me in my life, winning has been a priority,” Brady stated. “And my wife makes a lot of money."

How much money has LeBron James made during his NBA career?

LeBron signed a contract extension with the Lakers last year (Image via Getty Images)

LeBron James took a pay cut to join the Miami Heat back in 2010. However, ever since then, his contracts have been short and have included a Player Option.

After the end of the 2022-23 season, James will have accumulated $435 million in career earnings, $102 million more than Tom Brady.

James has made more than $400 million in his NBA career (Image via Getty Images)

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The four-time MVP has two more years left on his contract with the Lakers. He will receive around $111 million in the next two seasons, which will increase his total earnings to more than half a billion dollars.