In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Michael Jordan, followed by LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The debate about the greatest NBA players of all time always starts the same way: Jordan or LeBron? We weighed titles, individual dominance and impact on the game.
Are Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo missing? Vote for your number 1 below or tell us who is missing.
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1. Michael Jordan
Chicago Bulls · 6 championships
Six Finals, six rings and six Finals MVPs. His competitiveness and dominance in decisive moments made him the standard everyone is measured against.
2. LeBron James
Cavaliers, Heat, Lakers · 4 championships
The NBA's all-time leading scorer and a champion with three different teams. His longevity at the highest level is unprecedented.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Bucks, Lakers · 6 championships
Six rings, a record six regular-season MVPs and the skyhook, the most unstoppable shot in history. He was the leading scorer for almost four decades.
4. Magic Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers · 5 championships
A point guard over two metres tall who revolutionised the position and the 'Showtime' spectacle. Five rings and a rivalry with Bird that saved the NBA in the 1980s.
5. Bill Russell
Boston Celtics · 11 championships
Eleven titles in thirteen seasons: the greatest winner in the history of American team sports. Defence, rebounding and intelligence.
6. Kobe Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers · 5 championships
Five rings, 81 points in one game and a competitive mentality that inspired a whole generation. Twenty seasons in the same jersey.
7. Larry Bird
Boston Celtics · 3 championships
Three consecutive MVPs and three rings. A shooter, passer and fierce competitor, his duel with Magic defined a decade.
8. Wilt Chamberlain
Warriors, 76ers, Lakers · 2 championships
The most physically dominant player the league has ever seen: he scored 100 points in a game in 1962, a record that still stands.
9. Tim Duncan
San Antonio Spurs · 5 championships
'The Big Fundamental': five rings across three different decades with the Spurs, without fuss and with astonishing consistency.
10. Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors · 4 championships
He changed basketball: after Curry, the very long three-pointer became an everyday weapon. The all-time leader in three-pointers made and a four-time champion.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the greatest NBA player of all time, Jordan or LeBron?
It is basketball's great debate. Jordan won 6 rings without losing a Finals; LeBron is the all-time leading scorer and has been dominant for more than twenty years. In our ranking, Jordan is number 1.
Who is the NBA's all-time leading scorer?
LeBron James, who broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record in 2023.
Which player has the most NBA championships?
Bill Russell, with 11 titles with the Boston Celtics.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.