Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has received a $24m ($15m) salary advance from the franchise.
The 35-year-old is currently sidelined as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles, but as part of his contract he received $24,363,044 from the Lakers on Friday, according to the LA Times.
Bryant will have the remaining $6.1 (£3.8m) paid over the course of the season, while fans await his return to the court.
While there is no timetable set on his comeback, the veteran is expected to return in December.