Salary Reality Check on the Podcast
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham addressed a viral workload comparison involving Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic during a recent episode of her podcast EssentiallySports reported. The exchange began when her podcast co-host, premier skills-development coach Drew Hanlen, humorously juxtaposed Cunningham’s shooting volume with Doncic’s historic start to the NBA season.
Hanlen recounted that Doncic had attempted 221 shots and 102 free throws across his first nine games. In comparison, Cunningham attempted 226 shots and 74 free throws over 43 games during her recent campaign with Indiana. While acknowledging the comedic premise of the workload setup, Cunningham quickly pivoted to highlight the glaring economic gap between the two leagues.
“And I also think you’re missing a big one,” Cunningham said on the podcast. “He also makes $50 million a year. I make 700,000 on my WNBA check. You should compare me more to Quentin Grimes. You know, we average around, eight to 10 points. I think that’s it. My three point shooting is actually better than the both of them. And so we’re going to compare, let’s compare.”
Financial Scales and On-Court Metrics
Cunningham’s remarks shine a light on the broader economic landscape of professional basketball. In April, she signed a one-year deal worth $665,000 with the Fever, representing a substantial pay raise driven by the Women’s National Basketball Association’s new collective bargaining agreement. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic secured a three-year, $165 million maximum extension with Los Angeles in August 2025, bringing his salary for the 2026–27 campaign to $49.5 million.
The two guards also occupy vastly different structural roles for their respective franchises. Doncic serves as the primary offensive engine for the Lakers, averaging 35.9 minutes per game this season. Cunningham logged 22.2 minutes per contest for Indiana, making three starts last year while finishing the season as the team’s fourth-leading scorer.
Cunningham’s suggested alternative benchmark, Quentin Grimes, joined Los Angeles on a four-year, $60 million contract during the offseason and earns $13.9 million while largely coming off the bench. Despite the stark financial contrasts, Cunningham praised Doncic’s current on-court dominance, noting his historic scoring tear alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant, and emphasizing that he has been thrilling to watch.