It’s not unknown that basketball is one of the most popular sports right now, thanks to the NBA. Because of this fascinating league, this game has become one of the most interesting events in today’s world. However, it’s not only the American league that made this sport famous. There are some spectacular players who have enriched the basketball world. When it comes to the best player debate, fans give different opinions on who is the best of all time. Although most people agree with some legends of all time. This is why we have handpicked some of the best basketball players that walked on this planet. Let’s find out who they are.
Table of Contents
1. Shaquille O’Neal
Source: al.com
When we are talking about the most dominant and strongest player of all time, Shaquille O’Neal’s name comes first. Well, his legacy and unique gameplay style have amazed the basketball world. His style was so fresh that people started loving him immediately. Shaquille O’Neal started his career at Orlando Magic as a rookie where he spent four years.
After Orlando his next destination was the Los Angeles Lakers. Most famous NBA team, there he became a superstar. He won four NBA championships with them. Moreover, he was named three-time MVP finals. O’Neal had an amazing basketball career from 1992 to 2004. Right now he is enjoying a good retirement life. He is now a popular game analyst on TNT.
2. Kobe Bryant
Source: forbes.com
Kobe Bryant is probably one of the brightest names in the basketball world. It’s not unknown that Bryant was a global sensation. Popularly known as ‘Black Mamba’, Bryant had broken various records. Kobe had set some stunning NBA records. He was the first player to spend 20 years with one franchise and he scored the highest point tally in one season.
He had a spectacular career from 1996 to 2016 in LA. However, his fairytale tragically ends with a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Lakers have retired his No. 24 and No. 8 jerseys after his death. Players wore the ‘Black Mamba’ jersey during the NBA 2024 playoffs to honor probably the greatest Laker of all time.
3. Larry Bird
Source: celticswire.usatoday.com
When we are talking about the greatest basketball players, we cannot forget about Larry Bird. He is one of those players who have changed the NBA. Larry Bird began his career by joining the Boston Celtics in 1972 where he spent 13 years of his career.
He is known for his versatility as a player because he could play both forward positions. Bird helped the Celtics to reach five NBA finals and three championships and he was the league MVP for three seasons. After ending the 13 years long basketball career as a player, he was appointed as a coach to Indiana Pacers. To honor his contribution, Boston Celtics retired his jersey number 33.
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Source: nba.com
Kareem is undoubtedly one of the greatest of all time. He is popularly known as the player who scored the most points in the history of the NBA. These records still seem untouchable. He started with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969 where he spent six years. After leaving the Bucks, he joined the Lakers in 1975. In Los Angeles he spent a great time breaking various records.
His skyhook was a lethal weapon and it was almost unstoppable to stop. Besides winning six NBA championships, he won six MVP awards. After retirement, he joined the Seattle SuperSonics and the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant. He later worked as the head coach of the Oklahoma Storm.
5. Magic Johnson
Source: thegamehaus.com
Earwin Magic Johnson is one of the brightest names in the basketball world. He had not only created records but changed the way of the game. Magic has given the game a different level. He started his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 where he spent 12 stunning years until 1991. He helped them to reach nine NBA finals where they won five out of them.
Moreover, he won finals MVP 3 times and the league MVP award also 3 times. After leaving Lakers, he joined Magic M7 Borås in 1999. He was appointed as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1994. Magic’s rivalry with Larry Bird was so popular during that time and it is considered as one of greatest in history of sport.
6. LeBron James
Source: skysports.com
LeBron James is strongly considered as GOAT. James’ passing skill is so advanced that it makes his teammates better. He started his career with the Cavs in 2003. There he spent a fantastic career until 2010, where he played in Finals for first time in his career. Later, he joined the Miami Heat. There he won 2 titles.
James went back to his old club, Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 and stayed there until 2018. Now, he plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He won four NBA championships, 4 finals MVPs, and 4 league MVP awards. For the national team, he won 2 Olympic golds and one bronze medal. He won a gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship as well.
7. Michael Jordan
Source: failurebeforesuccess.com
Michael Jordan is probably the best basketball player of all time. His spectacular skills and a new standard for the upcoming players and league in general. He started his career with the Chicago Bulls in 1984 where he stayed until 1993 before his first retirement.
Then, he started his next stage of career by coming back to the Chicago Bulls. Where he stayed until 1998 and retired again. Again he came back from retirement and he joined the Washington Wizards in 2001 where he stayed until 2003 before retiring for the final time. He won 6 NBA championships and 6 finals MVP. He won 5 MVP awards as well. Now he has his own as he is owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
Conclusion
Finally, you know about some legends of basketball. These are the greatest basketball players of all time. They have contributed a lot of things to enrich the sports world. If you are ready to start watching this game, make sure you know about these legends and if you need help with the NBA league be sure to check www.mightytips.com. Meta Description: When it comes to choosing the best basketball player of all time, fans state different opinions. With this article, we have handpicked some of the best players of all time.
