NBA star who earned $55m in career earnings wakes up unemployed – and once accused of injuring LeBron James on purpose

SOLOMON Hill was an NBA player for nearly a decade, but now hasn’t found a team willing to sign him.

Hill, 32, played in the NBA for nine seasons and helped contribute to his teams making five playoff appearances, including making a finals appearance with the Miami Heat in 2020, before losing to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Solomon Hill played in the NBA for nearly a decadeCredit: Getty

Hill played for five teams in his NBA careerCredit: Getty

Throughout his professional career, Hill made $55million, with the bulk coming from his three seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, who paid Hill over $33million in his 3 years with the team.

But Hill hasn’t played in the NBA since 2022, missing the entire 2023 season after going unsigned.

Hill was a quiet player and never really had the spotlight on him – until one night when he was accused of purposefully injuring King James.

In a 2021 game against the Lakers, while Hill was a member of the Atlanta Hawks, the two collided, with the latter taking the blame.

James went down and held his ankle – clutching it in pain – causing him to leave the game early.

After the game, Hill defended himself on Twitter: “Would never disrespect the game and take a player out purposely… he knows that.

“That’s all that matters to me. Praying for a speedy recovery.”

James was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, forcing him to miss the next 20 games.

Lakers player Dennis Schroder called it an “unnecessary play.”

Another teammate of James, Montrezl Harrell, told reporters after the game: “We didn’t feel like it was a basketball-type of play.

“He had to go through his leg to get through the ball.”

At the time, the Lakers were the third seed in the west but just barely made the playoffs, finishing as the seventh seed.

James’ ankle problem lingered for the rest of the season, but through the first three games against the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers found themselves up 2-1.

Lakers star Anthony Davis got injured in Game 4, forcing him to miss the rest of the series, allowing the Suns to come back and win the first-round matchup 4-2.

James would require treatment for his high-ankle sprain throughout the offseason.

Hill claimed it was all a mistake and despite missing last season, is still seeking an NBA return.

LeBron injured his ankle in March of 2021Credit: Getty

LeBron was able to return, but his ankle bothered him the rest of the seasonCredit: Getty

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