NBA: 5 Teams That Are In Serious Financial Trouble

Notable Exceptions – Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks

Mar 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Lakers won 120-117. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are in the top 5 teams that owe the most next season. The Knicks have three players that are in the top 30 most expensive contracts. Kobe Bryant has the single most expensive contract in the league.

So why aren’t they listed?

Quite simply because they can afford it. The Lakers and Knicks are the NBA’s only billion dollar franchises, and they don’t mind dropping essentially pocket change to retain their lavish contracts.

Plus, New York and Los Angeles are the largest TV markets in the United States and thus, it is unsurprising that they are the most valuable franchises.

All contract numbers courtesy of  Basketball-Reference