Dwight Howard was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame for his brilliant career and as one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. Hall of Fame inductees Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony headline the 2025 class, and during his speech, Howard revealed his pick for the NBA GOAT—surprisingly, it was neither <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> nor Michael Jordan.



As he took the stage, Howard was escorted by Shaquille O’Neal, Dominique Wilkins, Robert Parish, and Patrick Ewing, four legends of the game who represented the very standard he had spent his career chasing.



Howard acknowledged the impact of those who inspired him early in his career. “And I’m able to be walked out here by some of the greatest NBA legends ever. So first I want to shout out to the Chief. My grandma used to love the Chief, and you were one of my biggest inspirations when I started. Thank you.”



He then turned to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, naming him his personal GOAT. “Kareem, I wish you could be here because you are my GOAT. You are the only player in NBA history to have two Hall of Fame careers, one as Lew Alcindor and the other as Kareem. I’m gonna get me a new name to come back and play y’all.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="486995" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250907_BUS_487687_LeBron-James_18903bd8.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lakers&apos; LeBron James" class="wp-image-486995" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>Why Kareem is the GOAT for Dwight Howard</h2>



Howard’s argument for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> as the NBA’s GOAT centers on a unique factor that no one else possesses: being the only player to have two Hall of Fame-worthy careers. As Lew Alcindor, he dominated college basketball at UCLA and won an NBA championship. Then, after changing his name to Kareem, he embarked on a second career in Los Angeles that turned him into a global icon and multiple-time NBA champion.


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This duality of success is what separates Kareem from Michael Jordan and LeBron James in Howard’s mind. While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Jordan</a> and LeBron had consistently dominant careers, Kareem’s is seen as two distinct and legendary phases.



His longevity and sustained excellence over decades, without a significant decline, is the key factor that leads Howard to place Kareem above other greats. The combination of dominance, adaptability, and historical impact makes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar his ultimate choice for the greatest player of all time.



<h2>Howard names his favorite players</h2>



Beyond Kareem, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Howard</a> highlighted other players he considers the best in their roles. He praised Dennis Rodman as the greatest rebounder and Bill Russell for his leadership and strategic influence on the game.



“Shout out to Bill Russell. May he rest in peace. This year marks 50 years since his enshrinement. Your book, Russell Rules, taught me about leadership and the importance of staying committed to my goals,” Howard said.


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Howard also honored Rodman’s impact on his career. “Dennis Rodman, I know you couldn’t make it today, but you were one of my favorite players and the greatest rebounder ever. Watching you helped me lead the league five times. It ensured that every time I dominated the glass.”



Finally, Howard acknowledged one of the best defenders in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history. “Also rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo. One of the greatest defenders and shot blockers ever. You motivated me to challenge every shot and battle for every rebound. Thank you.”

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A superstar with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-knicks">New York Knicks</a> for a decade, Walt Frazier won two championships and earned a reputation as one of the greatest players of his era. Now retired, Clyde shared his view on who deserves the title of greatest NBA player of all time.



“If I had to choose one guy? I would say Kareem,” Frazier said in a 2008 interview with Slam Magazine. It’s a logical pick from the Knicks icon, who spent years going up against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Abdul-Jabbar</a> in battles against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers.



During that stretch, Abdul-Jabbar won one <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> title with the Bucks in 1971 and five league MVPs. He later captured five more championships with the Lakers between 1980 and 1988, along with a sixth MVP award—by then, Frazier had already retired.



Clyde praised Kareem’s dominance across all aspects of the game: “He won at every level. He dominated in this game. He has six rings. He has the scoring title without even trying,” Frazier said, before comparing him to another Lakers legend, Wilt Chamberlain. “If he had Wilt’s mindset, he would have had 50K points. He was very team-oriented in what he did.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250724_BUS_447096_Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-1024x576_182cd45a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lakers legend Kareem-Abdul Jabbar" class="wp-image-392691" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06212425/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06212425/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06212425/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06212425/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06212425/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06212425/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06212425/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/06212425/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Frazier says Jordan isn’t the GOAT</h2>



Frazier has repeatedly made it clear that he doesn’t place <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> at the top of the all-time list. Instead, he’s often highlighted legends from earlier eras, while pointing to what he sees as media-driven bias surrounding the Chicago Bulls legend.


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“He had exposure. At the time Jordan played, the NBA was bigger than football. Ratings were higher than football. That’s why they say he is the greatest,” Clyde said during a 2024 appearance on The Buster Show.



“They talk about Jordan, how many times he’s scored 50, 60 points,” the Knicks legend added. “38 times? Wilt Chamberlain did that like 138 times… Who saw Wilt Chamberlain? How many people are alive that saw him play? It’s the same thing with the Heisman trophy; the guys on the West Coast weren’t winning it because we were sleeping. In the East, when they’re playing, the people that vote are sleeping.”



<h2>Frazier compares Jordan with Russell, Chamberlain and Robertson</h2>



In the same conversation, Frazier expanded on why he believes Jordan falls short of other all-time greats in certain key areas. “I always say, what’s the criteria,” he asked. “If you’re talking about the most dominant, Wilt Chamberlain. The guy has all the records. You’re talking about versatility, Oscar Robertson, a guy who almost averaged a triple-double almost for his whole career. You talk about winning, it’s Bill Russell. The man has 13 world championships,” Clyde explained.



“Michael Jordan is not the leading scorer in the history of the game. He’s not the winningest player in the history of the game. He’s not the most versatile player in the history of the game. How could you say he’s the greatest player?” Frazier concluded.



<h2>Frazier defends Wilt Chamberlain’s legacy</h2>



Though he named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest ever, Frazier has always spoken highly of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wilt-chamberlain">Wilt Chamberlain</a>. In a 2000 interview with Slam Magazine, he pushed back against the notion that Chamberlain’s lack of championships should hurt his legacy. “Some have suggested that Wilt was not the greatest player ever because he only won two titles, as opposed to Jordan’s six. This is simply unfair,” Walt said.



He then pointed to the unique challenges Wilt faced during his prime: “If it weren’t for the Celtics dynasty, Wilt would likely have ended up with nine rings,” Frazier argued. “Jordan had no true rival.”



<h2>The remarkable career of Walt Frazier</h2>



Frazier’s opinion carries weight given the impact he had during his playing days. Selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1967 Draft, the point guard launched a storied career with the Knicks that included the franchise’s only two championships, in 1970 and 1973.



After 10 seasons in New York—where he earned seven All-Star selections, four All-NBA First Team honors, and seven All-Defensive First Team nods—Clyde finished his career with two seasons on the Cleveland Cavaliers before retiring in 1979 at age 34.



Since then, he’s received numerous accolades: his No. 10 jersey was retired by the Knicks, he was named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.


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The Los Angeles Lakers enjoyed one of their golden eras in the 1980s, when Pat Riley was the head coach and the roster featured superstars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. That same team also included <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-worthy">James Worthy</a>, who recently shared his all-time NBA starting five.



In a 2024 conversation with his former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> teammate Byron Scott, Worthy was tasked with putting together his ultimate team based on players he watched before, during, and after his own career. Naturally, the former forward leaned toward players he either played alongside or faced on the court.



“Magic at one,” James began, in a pick that was almost a given. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/magic-johnson">Earvin Johnson</a> is considered by many—including Michael Jordan—the greatest point guard of all time. It makes sense that one of his Lakers teammates would echo that sentiment. Together, Magic and Worthy won three titles in 1985, 1987, and 1988. Before that, the guard had also won championships in 1980 and 1982.



“MJ at two,” the former forward continued, referring to the shooting guard in his imaginary lineup. In this case, he admitted it wasn’t an easy call between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Jordan</a> and Bryant. “Oh, I left Kobe out. It’s hard. I love Kobe, but MJ… I got to touch MJ a little bit before Kobe.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250613_BUS_417347_Michael-Jordan-1992-1024x576_69acbf84.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-402477" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21144006/Michael-Jordan-1992-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21144006/Michael-Jordan-1992-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21144006/Michael-Jordan-1992-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21144006/Michael-Jordan-1992-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21144006/Michael-Jordan-1992-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21144006/Michael-Jordan-1992-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21144006/Michael-Jordan-1992-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21144006/Michael-Jordan-1992.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>James Worthy picked Michael Jordan as his favorite shooting guard.</figcaption></figure>



“My small forward? I need me a scorer, man. I got to go with Larry,” Worthy said next. The pick highlights how impactful <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/larry-bird">Bird</a> was during his playing years, especially considering the Boston Celtics were the Lakers’ main rivals in the 1980s.


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When it came to power forward, James voiced his dilemma. “It’s between Tim Duncan or Karl Malone,” he said. The debate underscored a key question: whether to go with a rival from his playing days, like Malone of the Utah Jazz, or a younger star like Duncan. “I’m going to go with Karl Malone at four.”



For the final spot, Worthy didn’t hesitate. “Kareem is my center,” he said, in another obvious pick given <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Abdul-Jabbar</a>’s impact and enduring legacy in the NBA. Still, he acknowledged it wasn’t an easy choice: “That’s a tough decision because there’s some bad (expletive) out there.”



After naming his all-time <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> starting five, James Worthy was asked to pick his all-time Lakers team. Unsurprisingly, he repeated two of the names from his previous list, while adding a few more: “Kareem, Magic, Kobe, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor… That would be my five,” said the three-time NBA champion.


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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shai-gilgeous-alexander">Shai Gilgeous–Alexander</a> is just one step away from completing a dream season. If the Oklahoma City Thunder clinch the NBA championship, the regular-season MVP will join an elite group featuring Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul–Jabbar.



With a championship win and standout performances in the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander could become only the fourth player in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history to win the MVP award, the scoring title, and the Finals MVP in the same season.



The first player to achieve this rare feat was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> in 1971, back when he was dominating for the Milwaukee Bucks. That season, the big man led his team to its first NBA title while averaging 31.7 points per game to secure the scoring title. His brilliance on the court earned him both the regular-season MVP and the Finals MVP awards.



It took two decades before another player replicated the accomplishment. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> was the second to achieve it, leading the Chicago Bulls to their first championship in franchise history in 1991. Jordan went on to repeat the feat three more times in 1992, 1996, and 1998, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250603_BUS_410672_Michael-Jordan-1-1024x576_f4398f5d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Michael Jordan with his fifth MVP" class="wp-image-393660" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/08115936/Michael-Jordan-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/08115936/Michael-Jordan-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/08115936/Michael-Jordan-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/08115936/Michael-Jordan-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/08115936/Michael-Jordan-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/08115936/Michael-Jordan-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/08115936/Michael-Jordan-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/08115936/Michael-Jordan-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Michael Jordan with his fifth MVP award in 1998. @NBALatam</figcaption></figure>



The last player to join this exclusive club was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shaquille-oneal">Shaquille O’Neal</a> in 2000. During his dominant season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaq led the league in scoring with 29.7 points per game, won the regular-season MVP.


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He then delivered a legendary Finals performance against the Pacers. In the Finals, he averaged an astonishing 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, earning the Finals MVP as the Lakers secured the title.



<h2>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set to end the drought</h2>



Now, Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a golden opportunity to achieve this rare trifecta, something that hasn’t been done in 25 years. SGA earned the regular-season MVP over Nikola Jokic and claimed the scoring title with a remarkable 32.7 points per game.



In the playoffs, he has been the driving force for the Thunder, particularly during the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in the series, earning him the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP award.


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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, six-time NBA champion and the all-time leading scorer before LeBron James, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in basketball history. A cornerstone of the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers and a cultural icon both on and off the court, his legacy is unmatched. The Lakers legend named who he believes is the greatest point guard of all time — and surprisingly, it’s neither <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> nor his former teammate Magic Johnson.



Many might have expected Abdul-Jabbar to name his longtime Lakers teammate <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/magic-johnson">Magic Johnson</a> or modern-day superstar Stephen Curry. But in a 2023 interview with Justin Walters of New York’s WPIX-TV, the six-time MVP offered a different perspective.



“I don’t think you’re going to want to hear this,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Oscar Robertson. The Big O. I only had the chance to play with him at the end of his career, but he was awesome.”



Robertson, a 12-time All-Star and former MVP, spent most of his 14-year career with the Cincinnati Royals before finishing his career with the Milwaukee Bucks—where he and a young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, won the 1971 NBA championship together.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="345971" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250602_BUS_409952_GettyImages-2021713831-1_55d18418.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="NBA Legend Oscar Robertson is honored during the 2024 NBA All-Star Game" class="wp-image-345971" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/28174407/GettyImages-2021713831-1.jpg 1920w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/28174407/GettyImages-2021713831-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/28174407/GettyImages-2021713831-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/28174407/GettyImages-2021713831-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/28174407/GettyImages-2021713831-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/28174407/GettyImages-2021713831-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/28174407/GettyImages-2021713831-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/28174407/GettyImages-2021713831-1-250x140.jpg 250w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>NBA Legend Oscar Robertson is honored during the 2024 NBA All-Star Game</figcaption></figure>
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<h2>A championship partnership in Milwaukee</h2>



Oscar Robertson and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> were teammates during the early years of Kareem’s career, playing together in Milwaukee from 1970 to 1974. Though their time as teammates was relatively brief, it proved to be transformative for both players and for the Bucks franchise. Robertson, already established as one of the league’s premier point guards, brought leadership, poise, and elite playmaking that helped elevate a young Abdul-Jabbar into superstardom.


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Their impact was immediate. In their first season together (1970–71), the Bucks dominated the league, finishing with a 66–16 record and capturing the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> championship by sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in the Finals. Abdul-Jabbar, in just his second season, earned MVP honors, while Robertson—acquired via trade from Cincinnati—played the perfect complementary role with his floor generalship and veteran presence.



During their four seasons together, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oscar-robertson">Robertson</a> and Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to the playoffs every year, including another trip to the NBA Finals in 1974, where they fell in a hard-fought seven-game series against the Boston Celtics. Though they didn’t win another title, the duo firmly established Milwaukee as a powerhouse in the league. Abdul-Jabbar emerged as the NBA’s next generational superstar, while Robertson closed out his Hall of Fame career on a high note.



Their partnership was short-lived, but it left a lasting mark on NBA history. Abdul-Jabbar has repeatedly credited Robertson as a key influence in his development as a professional before he came to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a>, praising his intelligence, calm demeanor, and masterful control of the game. Together, they ushered in a new era—blending the promise of youth with the wisdom of experience in a way that still resonates in basketball lore.

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> featured dominant stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the 1980s, yet James Worthy still earned his place. He rose to the challenge and became one of the era’s top players. Throughout his career, Worthy spent significant time alongside Kareem. Because of that experience, he drew a compelling comparison between Abdul-Jabbar and another Lakers’ legend, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a>.



“Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a great physics player…Kobe’s that kind of player. He studies space and steps, and whatever it takes to give him an edge. And I think that’s what he does that puts him up and beyond most players,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-worthy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Worthy</a> said, via the Washington Post.



During his 1.560 NBA games, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> averaged 24.6 points. He also added 11.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Beyond the numbers, he established his dominance with a legendary résumé. He earned six MVP awards and shattered scoring records. His all-time scoring mark stood firm for 38 years, cementing his status among the greatest.



Moreover, both legends influence extended beyond the court. James Worthy, a Lakers icon himself, has repeatedly named Abdul-Jabbar the greatest of all time. However, he still acknowledges the lasting impact Kobe made. He recognizes the legacy Kobe built across 20 unforgettable years with the franchise.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250527_BUS_405568_karem-kobe-1024x559_bd2c5694.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="kareem-kobe" class="wp-image-405570" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/26195150/karem-kobe-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/26195150/karem-kobe-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/26195150/karem-kobe-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/26195150/karem-kobe-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/26195150/karem-kobe.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Los Angeles Lakers stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant.</figcaption></figure>



Kobe Bryant played 1.346 games within the franchise and averaged 25 points. He contributed 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest. More importantly, his relentless discipline and mental toughness transformed the Lakers. He changed the team’s identity and inspired a new competitive standard.


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<h2>James Worthy gives high praise on Kobe Bryant’s impressive work ethic ‘Kobe had an old-school mentality’</h2>



Beyond his championships and stats with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant built a lasting legacy through an unmatched work ethic. His teammates, including Shaquille O’Neal, often said he arrived early to practice and stayed long after it ended. This mindset was not just routine; it was his identity. He called it the ‘Mamba Mentality,’ a personal code focused on hard work, chasing dreams, and constantly getting better.



That commitment stood out to legends who came before him. In a 2003 interview with The Washington Post, Lakers great James Worthy explained what made Kobe different. “Kobe has an old-school mentality…His work ethic is second to none, and I think he’s totally aware of what he’s had to do to get better each year…A lot of guys depend on their athleticism and what they’ve done in the past. He does a lot to make himself better.“

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have featured some of the greatest players in NBA history. One of them is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His impact on the league was undeniable, as he set the all-time scoring record that stood for 39 years, until LeBron surpassed him. He also won a record six MVP awards, more than any other player in history. Throughout his career, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kareem</a> faced many legendary opponents, but his pick for the toughest one might come as a surprise.



“The best guy I played against might have been <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/larry-bird">Larry Bird</a>…People don’t appreciate Larry Bird enough. They think he was a chubby White guy. But he would wear us down. The muscle that was between his ears was the best because he made three points, assisted, rebounded and had steals. He was always in the right place at the right time. He is, without a doubt, one of the best players I’ve ever played against,” stated Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as reported by The Washington Times on 2022.



Despite Larry is a well-known legend within <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a>, his name is not usually picked among the greatest of all time debate. During his 897 games, he averaged 24.3 points contributing with 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Also, he was on the MVP debates for along 9 straight years showcasing his talent winning the award 3 times. Besides, he led the franchise to three championships-1981, 1984 and 1986.



Even Hall of Famer James Worthy admitted he preferred guarding Michael Jordan over Larry Bird. The Celtics legend approached the game like a strategist. Bird constantly analyzed plays and anticipated moves before they happened. He did not lack physical capacity, but his edge came from his basketball IQ that made him a nightmare to defend.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250525_BUS_404481_Bird-1-1024x576_664586d3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-345583" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27202239/Bird-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27202239/Bird-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27202239/Bird-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27202239/Bird-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27202239/Bird-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27202239/Bird-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27202239/Bird-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27202239/Bird-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball as Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers watches.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Larry Bird opens up about his departure from the Boston Celtics front office</h2>



After retiring in 1992, Larry Bird returned to the Boston Celtics as a special assistant to CEO Dave Gavitt. His arrival sparked excitement in Boston, where fans still viewed him as an icon. Bird’s return became one of the most anticipated moves in the city’s sports scene. 


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However, the situation began to shift during the 1995–96 season. The team’s decision to trade Sherman Douglas raised concerns. Many questioned Bird’s role and future with the franchise after that move.



Bird later opened up about the turning point in his relationship with the team. “I knew my days with the Celtics were over when I told our owner that Sherman Douglas was the most valuable guy on our team, and then he traded him a month later…(They) would ask my advice about certain personnel moves, then turn around and do whatever they wanted,” confessed Larry Bird as reported by Basketball Network.

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During the 1980s, the Los Angeles Lakers enjoyed a golden era, dominating the NBA and collecting several championships. That team featured elite stars who left a lasting mark on league history—<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-worthy">James Worthy</a> among them. Now retired, the forward has picked who he believes is the best player in NBA history.



“I played with Kareem, who I think is the greatest player to ever play the game,” Worthy said during a 2019 interview with Uninterrupted. He was teammates with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Abdul-Jabbar</a> for seven seasons, from his arrival in the Lakers in 1982 until the center’s retirement in 1989.



“To me, Kareem (is the GOAT). Not too many people won three national championships in college and held the (scoring) record for 39 years without shooting a three. People say, ‘He wasn’t athletic. Blah Blah.’ Kareem and Wilt (Chamberlain) were extremely athletic,” James said during a 2024 appearance on Byron Scott’s Fast Break.



“The discipline, the yoga, the meditation,” Worthy listed as some of the things that helped Abdul-Jabbar remain at basketball’s elite level. “Kareem went through a few decades, you know… Nate Thurman, to this day Kareem says he was the best defensive player ever. Then he goes through Patrick Ewing and (Hakeem) Olajuwon and keeps moving. So, he went through five decades of some of the best centers and survived till the end. So, say what you want, but he gets my vote.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250518_BUS_400099_abdul-jabbar-1024x576_33d7cff1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won five championships with the Lakers" class="wp-image-373760" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest NBA player of all time, according to James Worthy.</figcaption></figure>



Speaking about the personality of his former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> teammate, the three-time NBA champion shared with the New York Times in 2022: “Most people wouldn’t mess with Kareem. You could prank him now and then, but man, he was gonna get redemption. It’s hard to get Kareem to open up. But if you talk about history or jazz, you’ve got him. And you’ve got him for a long time.”


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<h2>Worthy calls out younger fans who never saw Kareem play</h2>



In that same conversation with Byron Scott, Worthy addressed the GOAT debate and how some people overlook Abdul-Jabbar’s accomplishments. “How you gonna say whose the greatest without seeing Kareem’s full body of work?” the forward began.



“How you gonna say, ‘It’s Michael (Jordan).’ Because you were born in 1995? Or ’80, still you haven’t seen people’s full bodywork,” James added. “People who hadn’t seen Kareem, they need to stay out of the question here unless you have seen all that.”



<h2>Michael Jordan’s greatness, according to Worthy</h2>



Before being selected by the Lakers with the first overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft, James Worthy spent three years playing at the University of North Carolina. There, he was teammates with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a>, giving him a firsthand look at someone who would become one of the sport’s global icons.



“I was better than him… for about three weeks,” Worthy told Byron Scott. “And I enjoyed those three weeks, ’cause I saw something in that boy that he didn’t have it quite yet. He was learning. But he would seek out the best in everything: chess, backgammon. And if he lost, he was irately made like he just lost a Game 7.”



The Lakers legend, however, realized early on that MJ was destined for greatness in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>. “I knew he was going to be an All-Star, but I didn’t know he was going to be, possibly, the best player ever,” he told AAC Digital Network in 2017.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250518_BUS_400099_worthy-jordan-1024x576_c6d4c6b3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-400102" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17213451/worthy-jordan-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17213451/worthy-jordan-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17213451/worthy-jordan-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17213451/worthy-jordan-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17213451/worthy-jordan-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17213451/worthy-jordan-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17213451/worthy-jordan-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17213451/worthy-jordan.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>James Worthy and Michael Jordan on March 31, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Worthy’s favorite player</h2>



While Worthy considers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the greatest of all time—and even puts Michael Jordan in a similar category—he chose another superstar as his personal favorite in a 2019 interview with Uninterrupted. “If I had to choose one player, I would choose Magic,” James said about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/magic-johnson">Johnson</a>.



“He enhances everybody three times more than you could ever. He wills stuff, he wills games. When he has to perform, he’s done it. He’s a winner. When you need that guy that can will stuff, that’s what he does. That’s why I would choose him,” explained Worthy, who played alongside Magic for 10 seasons.



<h2>Worthy highlights two current stars in the GOAT debate</h2>



Worthy clearly holds deep respect for the players from his era, but he’s not stuck in the past. In fact, he’s mentioned two current stars as serious contenders in the GOAT debate: Kevin Durant and LeBron James.



“If you’re talking like top seven guys who can be the greatest of all time, he’s in there, in my opinion,” Worthy said of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Durant</a> in a 2024 interview with ClutchPoints. “He’s just a phenomenal player who has impacted the game in ways few others have.”



As for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron</a>, he spoke to All The Smoke in 2023: “His ability to will reminds me of Magic. You’re comfortable with him on the floor because you know something is going to happen good. An assist guy, scorer. So, I like his body of work and obviously he’ll be mentioned in the top three or four.”



<h2>The career of James Worthy</h2>



After being selected with the first overall pick of the 1982 NBA Draft, James Worthy became a key piece of the Showtime Lakers, who dominated the league in the 1980s and played out unforgettable rivalries with Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics. Over his 12-year professional career, the forward won three titles (1985, 1987, and 1988) and played in four other NBA Finals.



Worthy’s talent and winning mentality also earned him individual recognition. He was the Finals MVP in 1988, a seven-time consecutive All-Star, named to both the 50th and 75th NBA Anniversary Teams, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003, and had his No. 42 jersey retired by the Lakers.


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In the 1980s, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a> dominated the NBA alongside the Los Angeles Lakers. While Larry Bird was the face of that dynasty, he was surrounded by other great players, including Robert Parish. The former center played a key role in that era, helping the team win three championships. Now retired, he has weighed in on the GOAT debate.



“Kareem is the best player I ever played against, period,” Parish said of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Abdul-Jabbar</a> in a 2024 interview on the Showtime Podcast with Michael Cooper. “The best thing I could ever say about Kareem is that no one ever devised a defense that could stop him. He figured out a way to exploit every defensive scheme ever thrown at him.”



Robert is well-positioned to speak on the subject, having spent much of his career playing in the same era as Kareem. The two clashed in numerous high-stakes matchups between the Celtics and the Lakers in the 1980s, a rivalry that helped define the decade.



Part of Parish’s admiration for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar comes from a humbling early experience during his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors in 1976–77. “I did not play a lot my rookie year until the playoffs,” the former center recalled in his conversation with Michael Cooper.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250509_BUS_394182_abdul-jabbar-1024x576_4a0ab6de.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won five championships with the Lakers" class="wp-image-373760" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won five championships with the Lakers</figcaption></figure>



“In the playoffs, we played the Lakers, back then it was best-of-3. I’m feeling pretty good about myself because I thought I was all that in college,” Parish continued. “Then I went up against Kareem. The big fella averaged 39.9 and, I think, like 15 or 16 rebounds. Humbling. Welcome to the NBA… Very humbling.”


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<h2>Parish compares Kareem to Jordan</h2>



When the GOAT conversation comes up, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> is usually the first name mentioned. But Robert Parish offers a different view. “I don’t agree with the usual assessment,” he said in a 2020 interview with Celtics All Access, before pointing to what he sees as Kareem’s clear edge.



“Michael was great in his time, and you have to give him credit for winning six championships in a row. You know, two three-peats,” Parish said. “I acknowledge that, and I respect that but as good as Michael was — and he was an exceptional talent — Kareem’s skyhook was unstoppable. The jump hook and the skyhook are in my opinion, the two most unstoppable weapons in basketball.“



<h2>What Parish thinks Jordan lacked in the GOAT debate</h2>



Reflecting on Jordan’s career in a 2017 interview on In The Post with Elvin Hayes, Parish pointed out what he sees as a major shortcoming in the Chicago Bulls legend’s resume. “Michael didn’t beat great teams, in my opinion,” the former center said. “Now think about this: When Larry (Bird), Kevin (McHale), and myself were in our heyday, he couldn’t beat us.”



“He couldn’t get past the Pistons until Joe Dumars and Isiah (Thomas) got old. He couldn’t beat the Lakers in their prime. When he beat Phoenix, they only had one Hall of Famer,” Parish added, referring to Charles Barkley in the 1993 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Finals.



<h2>Parish reflects on his relationship with Michael Jordan</h2>



Parish ended his career with the Chicago Bulls in the 1996–97 season and had the opportunity to play alongside Jordan. In an interview with NBC Sports, he recalled how their dynamic unfolded. “We were scrimmaging. Phil (Jackson) put me with the second unit. We proceeded to kick their butts like four straight games. And Michael took offense to it, so I asked him how did he like that butt whooping,” Parish recounted.



“He took offense to it because clearly no one ever manned up to him, you know, challenged him,” continued the four-time NBA champion. “So he said if I wasn’t careful, he was going to kick my butt. And I told him, ‘I’m not as enamored with you as these other guys. I’ve got some rings, too.’ At that point, he told me, ‘I’m going to kick your butt.’ I took one step closer and said, ‘No, you really aren’t.’ After that, he didn’t bother me.”



<h2>Who was the better leader, Jordan or Bird?</h2>



During his NBA career, Robert Parish played alongside two of the league’s most influential figures: Michael Jordan and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/larry-bird">Larry Bird</a>. In that interview with NBC Sports, the former center reflected on their contrasting leadership methods.



“Everybody got their own style, and the way they lead. Michael was in your face, he challenged his teammates,” Parish said of Jordan. “Some nights you don’t want to hear what he got to say.”



He then made clear his preference for Bird’s approach: “I respect both leadership styles, but I prefer Larry’s style the best… He led by example. You know, he wasn’t a vocal leader, he let his play dictate how we should play. I think Larry’s style and philosophy makes the best leaders, because if you are a yeller and a screamer, after a while your voice fall on deaf ears and players just kinda tune you out, don’t hear what you got to say.”



<h2>The amazing career of Robert Parish</h2>



Robert Parish was one of the most durable players in NBA history. He was drafted by the Warriors in 1976 and stayed with the franchise until 1980, when he was traded to Boston in a deal that also allowed the Celtics to draft Kevin McHale.



The center spent 14 years with the franchise, winning three NBA championships (1981, 1984, and 1986). He was selected to nine NBA All-Star Games, and his No. 00 jersey was retired by the organization after his playing days ended. In 1994, Parish left Boston and played two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before ending his career with the Chicago Bulls in 1996–97, winning a fourth title.



With 21 seasons under his belt, Parish still holds the record for most regular-season games played in NBA history, with 1,611 appearances. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.


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Following the Game 7 elimination at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> turns 35 without an NBA championship to his name. Despite the disappointing end to the season, Harden played a pivotal role throughout the year, averaging 22.8 points and 8.7 assists per game, leading the Los Angeles Clippers in both categories. As a result, fans are now drawing comparisons to stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar highlighting how long each waited for their first NBA title.



Unlike James Harden, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> won his first NBA title in only his second season, during the 1970-71 campaign. That same year, he also earned MVP honors. He averaged 31.7 points, 16 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game at age 23. His dominance did not stop there. He went on to win five more championships, claiming his last at age 40. As a result, he built a legacy that still follows him today. That legacy keeps him in the conversation as one of the greatest players of all time.



Meanwhile,<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Stephen Curry</a> needed six seasons to win his first title. He finally did it in 2014-15 with the Golden State Warriors. That season, he averaged 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. He also secured his first MVP award at age 26. More importantly, he broke the team’s 40-year championship drought. After that, he added three more titles and became one of the greatest players in franchise history.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> also took time to win his first ring. He needed nine seasons to achieve it. At 27, he led the Miami Heat to the 2012 championship, ending a five-year title drought for the team. The following year, he did it again and won back-to-back titles. His story did not end there. He later earned two more championships, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers and another with the Los Angeles Lakers. That cemented his status as one of the most dominant players in NBA history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250504_BUS_390954_GettyImages-2210123040-1-1024x576_db1947a4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers is guarded by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors" class="wp-image-376660" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/14181115/GettyImages-2210123040-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/14181115/GettyImages-2210123040-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/14181115/GettyImages-2210123040-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/14181115/GettyImages-2210123040-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/14181115/GettyImages-2210123040-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/14181115/GettyImages-2210123040-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/14181115/GettyImages-2210123040-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/14181115/GettyImages-2210123040-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers is guarded by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Has James Harden lived up to expectations with the Los Angeles Clippers?</h2>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> built a roster to chase an NBA championship. They brought together James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook. Despite their talent, the team came up short. Westbrook took most of the blame and eventually left. With him gone, the Clippers hoped to bounce back this season. However, fate had other plans. In a twist, it was Westbrook’s Denver Nuggets who eliminated them in the first round.


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In Game 7, Harden played 35 minutes but struggled to stand out. He recorded 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists. Even so, criticizing him solely for that game seems unfair. He remained a key part of the offense throughout the series. He helped the Clippers stay in the fight against a tough Nuggets team.



Harden is 34 years old, not a young star with the legs to lead a revolution. He joined the Clippers to contribute, not carry the team. Blaming him ignores bigger issues. The roster did not support him well enough. The defeat speaks more about the team’s shortcomings than one player’s performance.


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During the 1980s, the Los Angeles Lakers, along with the Boston Celtics, were the dominant teams in the NBA and helped revitalize the popularity of basketball. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> played a major role in that success, and now his former teammate Magic Johnson has shared a striking conclusion about the legacy of the former center.



“Nobody’s basketball career is even close to Kareem’s – spanning his high school, college and NBA years!” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/magic-johnson">Johnson</a> said in a message shared on his official X account to mark Abdul-Jabbar’s 78th birthday earlier this week.



Magic’s statement may seem bold at first glance, but the legendary point guard backed it up with a logical argument rooted in Kareem’s incredible stats. “If you combine three high school, three college, and six NBA championships, he is the most decorated basketball player of all time,” said Johnson.



<h2>The remarkable career of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</h2>



As Magic Johnson explained, Kareem found success at every stage of his basketball journey, from his student years to the highest level of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>. Back when he was still known as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., he led Power Memorial Academy to three consecutive New York City Catholic championships. He also set a New York City high school scoring record at the time, finishing with 2,067 points.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250418_BUS_379209_abdul-jabbar-1024x576_16e217ea.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won five championships with the Lakers" class="wp-image-373760" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/09190933/abdul-jabbar.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won five championships with the Lakers</figcaption></figure>



Later, the center chose to join the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he also won three straight championships between 1967 and 1969. In each of those seasons, he was named National College Player of the Year and NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. His impact was so great that the UCLA Bruins retired his No. 33 jersey.


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Kareem finally entered the NBA in 1969 with the Milwaukee Bucks, leading the franchise to its first championship in 1971 while earning the scoring title, league MVP, and Finals MVP honors. After six seasons there, Abdul-Jabbar joined the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a>, where he reached the pinnacle of his career. He won five more championships with the team (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988), becoming a cornerstone of the iconic Showtime Lakers team, coached by Pat Riley and featuring stars like Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Michael Cooper.



<h2>Is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the most decorated player of all time?</h2>



Magic Johnson called Kareem the most decorated player in basketball history. That statement holds true—so long as the count includes not only Abdul-Jabbar’s professional titles in the NBA, but also those from his high school and college days, which brings the total to 12.



However, if the conversation focuses solely on NBA success, Kareem falls short of the top. That honor belongs to Bill Russell, who won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics during his 13-year career. And it doesn’t stop there: the top eight spots in the all-time titles ranking are occupied by players from that dominant Celtics squad of the 1950s and 1960s.



To find the first player outside of that Boston era, you have to go to the ninth spot on the list: Robert Horry, who won seven championships with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs during the 90s and 2000s. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sits just below, with six—alongside other legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.


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Lakers legend Magic Johnson shares bold take on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy: ‘Nobody’s even close’

Without LeBron and Shaq: This is Lakers’ all-time starting 5, according to NBA champion Byron Scott

Lakers legend Magic Johnson shares bold take on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy: ‘Nobody’s even close’ - Bolavip US

The Los Angeles Lakers are the second-winningest franchise in NBA history, with 17 championships, trailing only the Boston Celtics‘ 18. That success has been built on decades of all-time greats. Still, when asked to name his ideal Lakers starting five, Byron Scott—who won titles with the team in 1985, 1987, and 1988—made some bold choices, omitting both LeBron James and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shaquille-oneal">Shaquille O’Neal</a>.



In a recent appearance on All The Smoke, Scott was asked to build his dream lineup featuring only <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> players. After acknowledging how tough it was to choose from so many legends, he took a moment to think before naming his all-time favorites.



“<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/magic-johnson">Magic Johnson</a>, Kobe Bryant, ooh, god,” Byron began, showing no hesitation at point guard and shooting guard—arguably the most obvious choices given the careers and impact of both players.



The real challenge came at center. “Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar) and Wilt (Chamberlain) and Shaq (O’Neal)? Oh my god,” said the former shooting guard. “I gotta go with Cap. I’mma go with Cap, oh, man,” he finally decided, referring to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Abdul-Jabbar</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250414_BUS_376142_Byron-Scott-1024x576_2932e95a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-85375" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Byron-Scott-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Byron-Scott-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Byron-Scott-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Byron-Scott-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Byron-Scott.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Three-time NBA champion with the Lakers Byron Scott.</figcaption></figure>



With only two spots left, Byron locked in his choices quickly: “I’m gonna say James Worthy and Elgin Baylor. I’mma put James at the power forward and bring Elgin at the small forward.” When co-host Matt Barnes asked him who his sixth man would be, Scott didn’t hesitate: “Jerry West.”


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<h2>What LeBron still needs to accomplish with the Lakers</h2>



After naming his all-time Lakers starting five, Byron Scott was asked whether <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> could eventually be part of that conversation. “Not yet,” the former guard responded. “He’s got one championship, he’s been there for seven years. If he can get to ten years, and he can get another ring, yeah, then I will say he deserves a statue.”



Scott emphasized the unique expectations that come with playing for the L.A. franchise. “Lakers standards are different. I mean, look at the statues that they have right now, everybody’s been there 10 plus years easy, multiple championships. In that uniform, in the purple and gold.” He continued: “I don’t give a (expletive) what you did in maroon and gold, in white and blue. It don’t matter. What did you do when you were in purple and gold? If you got two or three rings, OK, now we talk.”



Still, Scott didn’t downplay the significance of LeBron’s legacy. “Obviously he’s one of the greatest ever. There’s no doubt about that,” he said. “But when you come to Lakers standards, he gotta be here three more years, and get another chip to have a statue.”

NBA legend Magic Johnson reveals the secret behind Pat Riley’s Showtime Lakers success

Without LeBron and Shaq: This is Lakers’ all-time starting 5, according to NBA champion Byron Scott - Bolavip US

Few figures have left as deep an impact on the NBA as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pat-riley">Pat Riley</a>. He’s appeared in countless NBA Finals and, in various roles, has won multiple championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. Drawing from his decades of experience and deep basketball knowledge, he named his favorite player.



“I always said that Kareem was the greatest player of all time because of his longevity,” Riley said in an interview with ESPN in 2023, highlighting <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Abdul-Jabbar</a> above all the other stars who have passed through the league. “I put Michael (Jordan) in there too. But Kareem was the greatest at that time because of his longevity and the fact that he continued to perform at a high level when he was in his late 30s and 40s.”



Pat went even further, insisting the Showtime <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> wouldn’t have reached their level of success without their legendary center. “We don’t win championships without the greatest player in the history of the game, who had the greatest weapon in the history of the game. The skyhook was unstoppable,” the coach said. “Last minute of the game, it’s going to one guy… Kareem was the guy, and he’ll always be the guy.”



Riley also shared some of the habits that helped Abdul-Jabbar extend his career across two decades. “His longevity came out of something that most players weren’t aware of back then or didn’t take the time to learn about. Kareem was a practitioner of yoga… I mean, really deep in meditation and yoga,” Pat said. “He would end up in these pretzel-like positions, and our guys would laugh at him, and he would just say, ‘You’ll see one day. You’ll see one day.&apos;”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250413_BUS_375572_Pat-Riley-Kareem-Magic-1024x576_a6fd7886.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-375579" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/12213331/Pat-Riley-Kareem-Magic-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/12213331/Pat-Riley-Kareem-Magic-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/12213331/Pat-Riley-Kareem-Magic-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/12213331/Pat-Riley-Kareem-Magic-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/12213331/Pat-Riley-Kareem-Magic-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/12213331/Pat-Riley-Kareem-Magic-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/12213331/Pat-Riley-Kareem-Magic-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/12213331/Pat-Riley-Kareem-Magic.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Pat Riley, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson pictured during the unveiling ceremony of Abdul-Jabbar’s statue at Staples Center in 2012.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Pat Riley compares Kareem Abdul Jabbar to LeBron James</h2>



That praise for Kareem’s longevity came in 2023, right around the time <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> was on the verge of breaking Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record and was also approaching his 20th season in the NBA. “For LeBron to be able to play during this era, from 2003 to now, during this period, it just shows just how great he is as a player,” said Pat.


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Around that same time, in a conversation shared on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s official website, Riley drew comparisons between James and Abdul-Jabbar. “It’s all about LeBron right now, and it should be, with his unique career,” Pat said. “Training, travel, personal chefs, personal trainers, all that stuff has come into play since Kareem. I hope people realize Kareem’s story as well and how different it was. He went to college for four years; LeBron came out of high school. But they both dominated from Day 1. They both turned potential into greatness from Day 1.”



<h2>Pat Riley on Michael Jordan</h2>



Alongside Kareem, Pat Riley places <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> at the pinnacle. Riley coached against MJ during the 1980s with the Lakers, and more intensely in the 1990s with the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. “I don’t think there’s ever a day that his image doesn’t flash in front of my mind,” Riley told the New York Times in 1997. “If you’re a basketball coach, whether you’re reading, watching, or talking, all of a sudden, you get an image of Michael Jordan.”



The Chicago Bulls star even referenced those battles against Riley’s teams during his Basketball Hall of Fame induction in 2009. “You challenged me every time I played the Knicks, the Heat,” Michael recalled. “Any time I played against you, you had Jordan-stoppers on the team.”



That Riley placed such emphasis on game-planning for MJ reveals the deep respect he had for the shooting guard’s ability. “Jordan will always to me be the best of the best of the best,” Pat said on ESPN in 2007. “I don’t think anybody is ever gonna be considered better than the guy that hung from the air. Never.”



<h2>Magic Johnson is also the GOAT, according to Riley</h2>



In addition to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan, there’s a third player Riley has at times named as the best. “He’s the greatest player of all time,” Pat said about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/magic-johnson">Magic Johnson</a> during a 2017 event in Los Angeles. “He was a winner.”



Reflecting on what Johnson meant to that Lakers team, Riley recalled: “He didn’t have to score because of Kareem and James (Worthy) and everyone else we had… He could’ve scored 30 points a game if he wanted to. And we could’ve won.”



Pat ultimately compared Magic to LeBron James. “LeBron is the closest thing to Earvin that we’ve ever seen because of his size, his speed, his acceleration, his vision – everything that he can do,” Riley said. “The way that LeBron plays the game now – coast to coast, handles the ball, runs the offense – it’s just like Earvin. I mean, same mold. Same DNA. They’re winners.”



<h2>Pat Riley’s career with the Lakers</h2>



Pat Riley’s first contact with the NBA came as a player. He played shooting guard for the San Diego Rockets from 1967 to 1970, when he joined the Lakers. In 1972, he won his only title as a player there, and a few seasons later ended his playing career with the Phoenix Suns at age 31.



After retiring, Pat briefly worked as a broadcaster until 1979, when the Lakers hired him as an assistant coach under Paul Westhead. In that role, he helped lead the team to a championship in 1980, and just a year later was promoted to head coach following Westhead’s dismissal. That marked the beginning of a golden era for the Los Angeles franchise—“Showtime”—with 7 Finals appearances and 4 titles in 9 years.



<h2>Riley in New York and Miami</h2>



After his time with the Lakers, Riley coached the New York Knicks from 1991 to 1995, where he was at the center of intense rivalries against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and reached the NBA Finals in 1994 against the Houston Rockets. Immediately following that stint, Pat took over as head coach and president of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a>, eventually guiding the franchise to the top of the league.



With the Heat, Riley earned his final championship as a head coach during the 2005–06 season. Two years later, he stepped down from coaching but remained team president, designing the formation of the Miami “Big Three” with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh—a group that won titles in 2012 and 2013 and reached four straight Finals.



Now 80 years old, Pat Riley continues to serve as president of the Miami Heat and remains one of the most legendary figures in NBA history. Across his various roles, he’s won 9 championships and has participated in almost 25% of all NBA Finals. That remarkable legacy has earned him numerous accolades, including three NBA Coach of the Year awards and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.


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Miami Heat president Pat Riley’s net worth: How rich is the NBA icon?

Lakers and Heat legend Pat Riley names the greatest NBA player of all time - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> continues to be a dominant force in the NBA despite being 40 years old. That longevity not only allows him to compete with much younger stars but also to surpass league legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in historic milestones. Now the forward for the Los Angeles Lakers stands alone in second place on the NBA’s all-time games played list.



With his appearance in Wednesday night’s matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Lakers at American Airlines Center, LeBron secured sole possession of the second spot, overtaking <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Kareem</a>, who had held that place thanks to a long career spanning from 1969 to 1989 with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Lakers.



James now has 1,561 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> games under his belt and is closing in on the top. The number one spot belongs to legend Robert Parish, who played 1,611 games with the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Chicago Bulls between 1976 and 1997. It’s worth noting that this stat includes only regular season games, excluding playoffs and play-in tournaments.



Just 50 games shy of Parish’s record, LeBron would only need to play one more year in the league. If he returns for the 2025-26 season with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a>—which seems likely at this point—he would need to play just over half the games to take the top spot on the list.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250409_BUS_373756_Robert-Parish-1024x576_a0948022.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-86646" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Robert-Parish-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Robert-Parish-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Robert-Parish-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Robert-Parish-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Robert-Parish.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish holds the all-time NBA record for most games played.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Who are the players with the most NBA games played in history?</h2>



Robert Parish, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hold the top three spots on the NBA’s all-time regular season games played list. Further down the rankings are other league icons such as Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, John Stockton, Karl Malone, and Kevin Garnett.


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Among active players who, like LeBron, could climb the list in the coming years, Chris Paul ranks the highest at No. 15 with 1,351 games. The other active player in the top 50 is Russell Westbrook, who sits at No. 39 with 1,234 games.



<h2>Who are the players with the most NBA playoff games?</h2>



When it comes to playoff games, LeBron James leads the pack—and is likely to extend his lead this year. The Lakers forward is the all-time leader in playoff appearances with 287 games. Behind him is fellow Lakers icon Derek Fisher with 259.



Tim Duncan (251), Robert Horry (244), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (237), Tony Parker (226), Kobe Bryant (220), Emanuel Ginobili (218), Shaquille O’Neal (216), and Scottie Pippen (208) round out the top ten.



<h2>LeBron James’ records</h2>



While he sets his sights on becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in games played, LeBron James already holds several other major league records. He is, of course, the all-time leading scorer in both the regular season with 42,143 points and in the playoffs with 8,162.



He’s also the youngest player ever selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft (18 years and 182 days old), has the most All-Star selections in history (20), and is the only player to win NBA Finals MVP honors with three different franchises (Heat, Cavaliers, and Lakers), to name just a few of his accomplishments.


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LeBron James surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in NBA games: How close is the Lakers star to the all-time record? - Bolavip US

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