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Basketball has produced more than its fair share of iconic players over the years, with the sport’s elite performers winning multiple NBA championships and MVP awards. Here, we analyze the most famous NBA players of all time.
#1 Michael Jordan
When it comes to discussing the most famous NBA players of all time, Michael Jordan should be right at the very top of the list. After all, “MJ” revolutionized basketball during the 1980s and 1990s, leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships while winning six Finals MVP awards and five regular-season MVP awards. In truth, Jordan transcended the sport, becoming a global megastar both on and off the court.
#2 LeBron James
Still strutting his stuff for the Los Angeles Lakers at the ripe old age of 38, LeBron James is undoubtedly among the best NBA players in history. With four NBA championships, four Finals MVP awards and four regular-season MVP awards under his belt, “King James” uses his 6’9″ frame to bully opponents, and he is renowned for producing clutch moments.
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#3 Kobe Bryant
Sadly, Kobe Bryant died in a tragic helicopter accident in 2020, but he will always be remembered for his performances on the court. Spending 20 seasons with the same franchise – the Los Angeles Lakers – Bryant won five NBA championships and an MVP award for good measure. He also dished up countless memorable displays, including an 81-point game and a 60-point finale.
#4 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Until February 2023, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar found himself at the summit of the NBA’s all-time scoring leaderboard with 38,387 points. LeBron James replaced Abdul-Jabbar at the top of the list, but the former Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers superstar still has a record six MVP awards to his name, in addition to six championships and 19 All-Star appearances.
#5 Bill Russell
Bill Russell is arguably the greatest winner in the history of basketball, making him one of the most famous NBA players of all time. Russell helped the Boston Celtics win 11 championships in 13 seasons between 1957 and 1969, using his expert defensive prowess to pick up five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections in the process.
#6 Magic Johnson
Entering the league as the tallest point guard in NBA history, Magic Johnson wasted no time in cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. The 6’9″ superstar guided the Los Angeles Lakers to nine finals in 12 years between 1980 and 1991, triumphing on five occasions while exhibiting his full range of skills.
#7 Larry Bird
Playing in the same era as Johnson, Larry Bird helped shape the NBA that we know and love today. The iconic small forward took the Boston Celtics to five NBA Finals and three championships. Better still, he won three successive MVP awards between 1984 and 1986, thanks to his remarkable shot-making and passing.
#8 Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain enjoyed an incredible NBA career between 1959 and 1973, playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers. During that period, Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single game, averaged 50 points per game for an entire season and claimed two championships for his troubles.
