Kobe Bryant's career earnings to reach $328m

Kobe Bryant's career earnings with the LA Lakers will surpass $328 million when his contract extension, which was signed on Monday, ends in 2016.

The 35-year-old's injury concerns of late meant a renewal with the Lakers was somewhat uncertain, but clearance over Bryant's fitness resulted in a two-year extension to his current deal, which expires at the end of the season.

Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon playing against Golden State Warriors in April and has not featured for the Lakers since, but the shooting guard is set to be welcomed back imminently.The new contract awarded to Bryant will see him earn $48.5 million over its duration and, injury permitting, take him beyond 20 seasons with the Lakers, for whom he signed after the 1996 NBA Draft.

Given his loyalty to the Lakers over the past two decades, Bryant has received a growing salary from the franchise and his total earnings in LA are now guaranteed to pass the $300 million barrier.

The current season, during which Bryant has yet to play a single game, is his highest paid so far - with a salary of over $30 million - and means he has the most lucrative contract in the NBA.

Here's the breakdown of Bryant's salary season-by-season during his time as a Laker…

1997-98: $1,167,240

1998-99: $1,319,000

1999-00: $9,000,000

2000-01: $10,130,000

2001-02: $11,250,000

2002-03: $12,375,000

2003-04: $13,500,000

2004-05: $14,175,000

2005-06: $15,946,875

2006-07: $17,718,750

2007-08: $19,490,625

2008-09: $21,262,500

2009-10: $23,034,375

2010-11: $24,806,250

2011-12: $25,244,493

2012-13: $27,849,149

2013-14: $30,453,805

2014-15: $23,500,000

2015-16: $25,000,000

Career total: $328,238,062

(Source: LA Times)