Written by Kevin Early

If only salary equalled production... If that were the case, the New York Knicks would be in title contention and the lakers would be working on their 6th title this upcoming season. Here is a look at the top 10 most paid players in the NBA for the last season and the season coming up.

2012-2013 NBA season:

1. Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Lakers

$28.7 million

2. Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks

$21.9 million

3. Gilbert Arenas - Memphis Grizzlies

$20.8 million

4. Amar'e Stoudemire - New York Knicks

$19.9 million

5. Joe Johnson - Brooklyn Nets

$19.8 million

6. Carmelo Anthony - New York Knicks

$19.5 million

7. Dwight Howard - Los Angeles Lakers

$19.2 million

8. Pau Gasol - Los Angeles Lakers

$19 million

9. Elton Brand - Dallas Mavericks

$18.1 million

10. Chris Paul - Los Angeles Clippers

$19.2 million

2011-2012 NBA season:

1. Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Lakers

$25.2 million

2. Rashard Lewis - Washington Wizards

$22.1 million

3. Tim Duncan - San Antonio Spurs

$21.3 million

4. Kevin Garnett - Boston Celtics

$21.2 million

5. Gilbert Arenas - Orlando Magic

$19.2 million

6. Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks

$19.0 million

7. Pau Gasol - Los Angeles Lakers

$18.7 million

8. Carmelo Anthony - New York Knicks

$18.5 million

9. Amare Stoudemire - New York Knicks

$18.2 million

10. Joe Johnson - Atlanta Hawks

$18.0 million