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Lebron James -

LeBron James will go down in history as one of the greatest the sport has ever known (if not the actual greatest). He broke the NBA's all-time scoring record in the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 7, surpassing the record that six-time MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had held for 39 years with 38,387 points. At the end of the third quarter, James scored his 36th point of the game and 38,388th of his career, and the crowd at Crypto.com Arena went wild. Officials even paused the game and James' family came out to embrace him. Abdul-Jabbar was also in attendance to happily hand over the crown. 

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Giannis Antetokounmpo -

Thanks to his unbelievable performance in the 2021 NBA Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo has firmly carved out his spot in sporting history. The young player had been making waves towards the end of the season, scoring 40 points in multiple games, but his exploits in the final were legendary. Antetokounmpo single-handedly carried the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years. He scored 50 of their 105 points, as well as getting 14 rebounds, five blocks, and nailing his free throw. His performance was unparalleled and he was named the NBA Finals MVP. 

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Elgin Baylor -

NBA Hall of Famer and Los Angeles Lakers icon Elgin Baylor passed away on March 22, age 86, leaving an incredible legacy behind. The 11-time All-Star, known for his acrobatic athleticism, is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, setting a precedent throughout the 1960s that paved the way for players like Michael Jordan.

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Elgin Baylor -

Baylor helped the Los Angeles Lakers reach the NBA Finals eight times. He also played in 11 NBA All-Star Games.

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Kobe Bryant -

The basketball legend tragically died in a helicopter crash on January 26 of 2020, alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others. The 18-time all-star was one of the most brilliant players in NBA history.

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Shaquille O'Neal -

Shaq's dominance was second to none. That's why he's one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

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Charles Barkley -

"The Round Mound of Rebound" is one of only four players in NBA history with at least 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists.

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Bill Russell -

Bill Russell won 11 NBA titles with the Boston Celtics. He's widely regarded as one of the best ever in his sport.

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Bob Pettit -

Bob Pettit was the first player to be named the NBA's Most Valuable Player.

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Chris Paul -

"CP3" is arguably the best point guard of his generation.

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Stephen Curry -

Curry has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player twice, and is quite possibly the best shooter in NBA history. 

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Russell Westbrook -

In the 2017-18 season, Westbrook became the only player to have ever averaged a triple-double twice in his career.

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Reggie Miller -

Miller is one of the greatest shooters and scorers in the Indiana Pacers' history.

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Kevin Durant -

One of the greatest players of his generation, Durant has an average of 27.0 points per game.

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Dirk Nowitzki -

The German big man played a crucial role in the Dallas Mavericks winning the 2011 NBA Finals.

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John Stockton -

The point guard par excellence is in the top 10 for career steals per game.

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Karl Malone -

"The Mailman" sits in third place in the NBA value over replacement player statistic, behind only Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

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Kevin Garnett -

Also known as the "The Big Ticket," "The Kid," and "KG," Garnett made the All-Star team in just his second season.

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Dwyane Wade -

Wade has recently retired, with an average of 22.0 points per game.

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Scottie Pippen -

Pippen played a crucial role in the Chicago Bulls' six NBA championship wins in the '90s. He was a member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight times!

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Julius Erving -

"Dr. J" scored an average 22.0 points per game in 11 NBA seasons.

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Jerry West -

West is the only player to have ever won the Finals MVP award while playing for the losing team. This was in 1969.

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David Robinson -

"The Admiral" went down in history as one of the best San Antonio Spurs players ever.

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Oscar Robertson -

With 181 triple doubles, "The Big O" is yet to have his record beaten.

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Hakeem Olajuwon -

Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon had amazing footwork for such a big player.

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Wilt Chamberlain -

A dominant giant in his time, Chamberlain is still the NBA's best rebounder.

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Larry Bird -

Besides Bill Russell, "Larry Legend" is probably the Boston Celtics' most iconic player of all time.

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Tim Duncan -

There's a reason why Shaquille O'Neal  dubbed Tim Duncan as "The Big Fundamental." Duncan's skills were indeed outstanding!

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Magic Johnson -

One of the NBA's best all-around players ever, the Lakers' point guard became an idol in the sport.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -

Another NBA living legend, for a long time Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the record for the highest number of points scored, with 38,387. He was surpassed only by LeBron James in 2023. 

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Michael Jordan -

MJ is often quoted as the greatest basketball player of all time. Jordan won six championships with the Chicago Bulls, and is a true living legend of the sport. 

Now, find out why 23 will always be his number.

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