His legacy transcends the game, with his influence reverberating across multiple aspects of life, from sports to business, to personal development. The mentality that Bryant adopted and propagated throughout his career — the “Mamba Mentality” — became a driving force for countless individuals, not just athletes.

It represented an attitude toward life that emphasized a relentless work ethic, unwavering determination, and an unwavering commitment to being the best version of oneself. Bryant’s life and career offer lessons that resonate deeply with people, whether they are athletes, entrepreneurs, or simply individuals striving to overcome obstacles and excel in their pursuits.

Born in 1978 in Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant was raised in a family deeply rooted in basketball. His father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, was a former NBA player, and Kobe was exposed to the game from a young age.

Despite his natural talent, Bryant’s journey to greatness wasn’t without its challenges. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 at the age of 17 and was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend his entire 20-year career.

Early in his career, Bryant faced criticism for being too young, too cocky, and for having a seemingly difficult relationship with his teammates. However, it was this criticism that fueled his work ethic and led him to develop the Mamba Mentality.

The Mamba Mentality

“The Mamba Mentality” was inspired by Bryant’s nickname, “Black Mamba,” which he adopted as a way of separating himself from the pressures and distractions of the basketball world.

The nickname came from his desire to approach every game and challenge with the precision, efficiency, and fearlessness of the deadly snake. As Bryant himself put it, “The Mamba Mentality is all about focusing on the process and trusting in the hard work when it matters most.”

His approach was grounded in the belief that success is not about talent alone; it’s about consistently doing the work, improving every day, and embracing discomfort and adversity.

Bryant’s commitment to excellence was demonstrated through his meticulous preparation and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His legendary work ethic is something that countless individuals look up to as an example. Stories of his late-night workouts and early-morning practices are famous.

He was known to work tirelessly, often practicing for hours before and after team practices. His dedication to perfecting his craft was unmatched. “I don’t try to outwork people,” he once said. “I try to outthink them, outsmart them.” This mindset translated to his game, as Bryant became renowned for his footwork, skill development, and basketball IQ.

The Mamba Mentality went beyond just physical preparation, though. It was a mindset that emphasized mental toughness and resilience in the face of adversity.

Bryant faced a number of setbacks throughout his career — from the challenging early years with the Lakers to a torn Achilles tendon that many thought would end his career in 2013.

However, Bryant’s ability to rebound from these challenges with a sense of purpose and drive was something that inspired millions of people. Even when the odds seemed insurmountable, he was willing to give everything he had to achieve greatness.

In addition to his work ethic and resilience, Bryant’s commitment to mastering the mental side of the game was another hallmark of the Mamba Mentality. He spent countless hours studying opponents, analyzing game tape, and seeking to understand every facet of the game.

Mental preparation was a part of his routine

This mental preparation became as much a part of his routine as his physical training. His approach was not just about honing his own skills, but understanding the game as a whole — understanding the nuances of what it took to win, whether it was the mental fortitude required to perform under pressure or the understanding of his teammates’ strengths and weaknesses.

Bryant’s ability to stay focused, calm, and composed, even in the most intense moments of a game, was a testament to his mental preparation.

Bryant’s impact reached far beyond the basketball court. His philosophy was embraced by many athletes from various sports, as well as entrepreneurs and leaders in all fields. The principles of the Mamba Mentality — hard work, resilience, mental toughness, and relentless pursuit of one’s goals — became a source of inspiration for people of all walks of life.

“I think the mentality is really about being the best version of yourself,” Bryant explained. “The best version of yourself comes from pushing yourself to the limits, and there’s nothing more rewarding than that.” This message resonated with people looking to excel in their own lives and overcome obstacles, no matter the field.

Bryant’s influence as a mentor and role model extended well beyond his playing career. In his post-basketball life, he turned his focus to storytelling and mentoring, especially for the next generation of athletes.

He created projects like his Oscar-winning short film “Dear Basketball,” and worked with aspiring young players, sharing the lessons he had learned from his experiences. Through his work as an entrepreneur and a creative, he continued to inspire the youth of today to follow their passions and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

Black Day in the Basketball History

Tragically, Bryant’s life was cut short in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy that transcends his sports achievements. His impact on the game of basketball and the broader world will never be forgotten.

The Mamba Mentality lives on, not only in the players who admired him and sought to emulate his approach but in anyone who strives to be better, work harder, and rise above the challenges they face.

Kobe Bryant’s legacy as a player and a person is a testament to the power of the Mamba Mentality. It’s a mindset that continues to inspire countless individuals to push their limits, embrace challenges, and never settle for mediocrity.

As Bryant himself once said, “The most important thing is to try to inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” His message of perseverance, self-belief, and relentless work ethic will continue to motivate and inspire future generations for years to come.

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The announcement was made on August 24th, which is quite symbolic. This is because August 24 is now officially celebrated as ‘Kobe Bryant Day’ in many parts of the USA, including Los Angeles and Orange County. The day is chosen because of the two numbers that he wore on his jersey during his time with the Lakers. Thus, this day was chosen as the ideal to make the announcement, and it also would have been the day after his 46th birthday.

His daughter, Gianna, who also died in the 2020 helicopter accident that also claimed the life of the player himself, wore No. 2; hence, the month of the statue unveiling is kept as the second month of the year, thus representing all the three uniform numbers worn by the Bryant family.

Also Read: Top 10 NBA Shooters Of All Time

Kobe’s Legacy Immortalized

Bryant will be the seventh Laker to have been honored with a statue. Before him, players who got the tribute were Shaquille O’Neal, Chick Hearn, fellow Laker legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West.

It was reported that Bryant took part in the proceeding and planning of his statue but sadly did not live to see it being built and unveiled. Kobe’s widow, Vanessa, also uploaded a video expressing how grateful she is for the statue to be tributed to her late husband’s legacy.

“As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Lakers,” Vanessa said. “Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels. On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters, and me, I am so honored that, right in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as the house Kobe built, we are going to unveil his statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever.”

On February 8th, 2024, the Lakers will be hosting the defending champions Denver Nuggets for a rematch of the Western Conference Finals. This announcement made an already anticipated matchup on the schedule a lot more interesting.

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There have been numerous stars who have graced the court of an NBA game. Most were able to make a name for themselves, but some have their name etched into the record books as the best in the history of the sport. We count down the top 10 basketball players in the NBA of all time, in our humble opinion.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Expensive Basketball Players in the NBA

Tim Duncan

One of the best power forwards in the history of the game, Tim Duncan, was selected as an overall first draft pick by the San Antonio Spurs. He would go on to spend his entire career loyal to the franchise. Dubbed “The Big Fundamental”, Tim Duncan was typically not a flamboyant player but rather depended on the fundamentals of basketball. This made him terrifyingly efficient throughout the court. Whether it be offense or defense, Tim Duncan bought that stability in the team. Having won the final MVP award 3-times in his career, Tim Duncan also guided the Spurs to the NBA championship 4 times. Tim Duncan was also considered quite underrated throughout his career. Nonetheless, one thing cannot be overstated that Tim Duncan truly was one of the greats to grace the basketball court.

Bill Russell

With 11 NBA Championships, the name of Bill Russel is etched in history to be one of the greats to ever do it. A defensive player by heart and trade, he is considered one of the greatest rebounders in the history of the NBA. His rebounding game was crucial in the many championships he won with the Celtics. One of the greatest moments of Bill Russel’s career was the 1962 finals between Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers were leading the series 3-2. However, in Game 7, Russel took matters into his own hand and single-handedly destroyed the Lakers by scoring 30 points and putting up an incredible 40 rebounds on the board.

His blocking game was too revered by many. Since NBA did not officially start recording blocks per game but several newspaper articles during that time reported around 20 blocks in a single game. A 5 time MVP award winner, Bill Russell surely is a legend in the game and is an inspiration to many players today.

Larry Bird

Larry Bird was known for his shooting and his trash talking. However, he backed up his trash talking with legitimate results. This made him a fearsome foe to encounter, Having a high basketballing IQ and skills to go along, Larry Bird’s name is revered to this date as one of the greatest ever. Drafted 6th overall in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, he remained with them for the entirety of his career.

A well-known story about Larry Bird is that he memorized the dead spots of the Celtics court, which was made with oak wood. The alleged dead spots on the floors meant that the ball would not bounce quite as high as the rest of the court. So he used to defend the players and lure them into those spots, which aided him tremendously while stealing off the opposition. This story is certainly a testament to his dedication and competitiveness. He was also the only person to never lose a playoff game against the great Micheal Jordon. He got the better of him both times they met in the play-offs. Larry “Legend” Bird was certainly not the most athletic but surely the most dedicated and competitive player we got to witness in the history of the NBA.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Earvin Johnson Jr.

Better known as Magic Johnson, he was one of the greatest ever to play basketball. His greatness cannot be defined by mere statistics. The ’80s was a transitional period for NBA. It was slowly adapting to the high-paced and athletic NBA of today. Among everything, Magic Johnson was drafted first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the LA Lakers. He went on to win the Rookie of the Year as well as the NBA Championship. To make matters even more ridiculous, he even won the Finals MVP award that year.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson was a 6’9″ point guard who used his high stature to dominate the game from the get-go. Having won 5 NBA Championships and 3 Finals MVP awards, he was destined for even more if his health did not deteriorate. In the summer of 1991, a piece of tragic news was abruptly broken by Johnson that he had contracted HIV and had to retire immediately. He would not play for 4 years. Until he returned in 1996 for a brief period but then again retired in the same year for good. A true legend of the game who achieved greatness and was perhaps destined for more. Nonetheless, his impact in the league is truly unmatchable.

Wilt Chamberlain

One of the most dominant players to ever step foot on the court, Wilt Chamberlain’s impact is undisputed. A player who averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds in a 1961-62 season can only be revered as something out of a manga or comic book. One of the originals to bring the level of basketball to new heights, he set numerous outlandish records, which we can only marvel at. His score of 4000 points in a season is simply as ridiculous as it sounds. His dominance would later prompt several rule changes in the league. Some of them are widening the lane, revising the rules governing in-bounding ball, and even shooting free throws. Since Chamberlain practically deposited the ball so easily by just leaping with the ball from behind the foul line.

He retired at the end of the 1972-73 season and went on to have a successful and happening post-retirement, even acting alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie Conan The Barbarian. The list could go on, but it truly remains undisputed that Chamberlain is one of the best to ever play basketball.

Shaquille O’Neal

It is impossible to like Shaquille O’Neal. One of the most likable personalities in the NBA. However, on the court, it was a different story for the opposition. Standing at 7 ‘ 1″ tall and weighing more than 145 kgs, there has seldom been a dominant force like Shaq. Drafted in the year of 1992 by Orlando Magic, Shaq became notorious for dominance throughout the game. Averaging 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, he picked up rookie of the year award in 1993. 

Shaq, despite being a giant, was surprisingly athletic. He was also known to intentionally break the basketball glass boards while dunking. It leads to a modification of the entire basket mechanism to prevent it from happening so frequently. He has played for numerous clubs. However, his career peaked when he was bought by the LA Lakers, and he paired up with Kobe Bryant. He was instrumental for the Lakers as their Center and helped win 3 consecutive NBA championships. After his retirement, Shaq’s impact on the pop culture media is still prevalent and has only added to his popularity. One of the greatest to ply his trade in the NBA, and we certainly will never see such larger than life personality as Shaq in the NBA.
There is plenty of evidence to support Michael Jordan’s GOAT status, however, his greatest feat of all might have come before he even won an NBA title. In the 1988 season, he won MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and the NBA’s scoring title. His insane ’88 season went like this: 35 points on 53% shooting, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks.

Lebron James

Kobe Bryant

After Micheal Jordan, the title of the greatest was up for grabs. “The Black Mamba” Kobe Bryant grabbed it with both hands, and the rest is history. He was drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th pick overall. However, the Lakers had a prior deal fixed in place to obtain him from the Hornets, and they did. Regarded as one of the best scorers of our generation, Mamba’s cold-blooded nature on and off the court made him a fierce rival. His rock-hard mentality and dedication were second to none. He seemed to be out there to prove the world wrong, and he did. Winning 5 NBA Championships and breaking numerous personal records, Kobe Bryant has inspired an entire generation.

His most jaw-dropping inspiring story came during a match in 2013 against Golden State Warriors. An unfortunate foul on Kobe resulted in him tearing both his Achilles tendon. However, he went to the free-throw line to drop the free throws, all the while being in excruciating pain. This moment solidified his already legendary career.

Michael Jordan

Synonymous with the game of basketball is Micheal Jordan. Such is the impact of this individual that there is probably nobody who hasn’t heard about Micheal Jordan. Basketball is Jordan. His dominance took over the entire industry by storm. His godlike technical ability makes it wonder maybe the game was designed for Micheal Jordan. One of the greatest scorers in the history of the league. Winning the NBA Championships 6 times and having 6 Finals MVP awards, Jordan’s impact on the game cannot be disputed. Widely regarded as one of the best players to ever step foot in the NBA, and his unblemished finals record of never losing an NBA final is perhaps the biggest argument for GOAT status.

Outside of the game, he has been a successful actor, played baseball for a few years, and has made a business out of sports shoes which also became synonymous with sneakers. MJ has done it all in the game and is certainly the greatest player in the history of NBA.

Also Read: Dallas Mavericks Vs Golden State Warriors Picks, Odds: Who wins NBA Playoffs Game 1?

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10. Andris Biedriņš

He was a center drafted as the 11th pick by the Golden State Warriors in the draft. He was a highly anticipated European talent. Andris made his debut at just the age of 18 Years, 7 Months, and 3 days. His first game was on November 5, 2004. The Latvian played for several years in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors. Despite never really making a great impact. And not improving on his first season. He was traded to Utah Jazz in 2013-14 season. After spending less than a year with the Jazz, he was waived off. Ending his time at the NBA. He is the 10th youngest NBA player ever.

9. Yaroslav Korolev

The Russian was a power forward drafted as the 12th overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. He made his debut aged just 18 years 5 months and 28 days on November 4, 2005. His time at NBA was a very short one. As his contract was waived off by the Clippers before the 2007 season even began. They offered him a contract extension on July 6, 2007, and then later rescinded the offer in September 2007. He is the 9th youngest player in NBA history.

8. Tracy McGrady

The shooting guard was drafted as the 9th overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Toronto Raptors. And, what a pick it turned out to be. Drafted at just 18 years of age. McGrady made his debut aged just 18 Years, 5 Months, and 7 days old on October 31, 1997. He lit up the NBA. Tracy was a deadly shooter from anywhere on the court. With a great stroke and a very good three-point range. He started off as a player who didn’t get many minutes. But, later on he became a guaranteed starter. And then guided the franchise to their first-ever playoffs in the 1999-00 season.

McGrady is a 7 time all-star and 2-time scoring champion. He is a hall of famer. Many claim that he should have been inducted in the 75th Anniversary team. Nonetheless, McGrady is one of the very few on this list to have done their talent justice. And he is the 8th youngest player in NBA history.

7. Bill Willoughby

He was drafted as the 19th overall pick in the NBA draft in 1975 by the Atlanta Hawks. He made his debut aged just 18 years, 5 months, and 3 days on October 23, 1975. Bill, like everyone else on this list, skipped college to turn pro. Although, he stated that he regrets not going to College. He did complete his degree aged 44 in communications. Which was financed by the NBA. Bill did not have a great career at the top of the game. He was a center all throughout his life before they asked him to play as a Forward when he turned pros. He played for 6 teams. And was constantly traded. Although, he once did achieve fame by blocking Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s famous Skyhook. Which was dubbed unstoppable. He is the 7th youngest player in NBA history.

6. Stan Brown

The forward made his debut aged just 18 years 4 months and 17 days on November 13, 1947. He was the first player to come directly out of High School to play professional. Stan held the record for the youngest ever player for just more than a year. Brown played for the Philadelphia Warriors. Which are now known as the Golden State Warriors. After retiring, he became a truck delivery driver. And then died of a heart attack at the age of 80 in 2009. He is the 6th youngest NBA player ever.

5. Darko Miličić

The center made his debut at the age of just 18 years 4 months and 11 days on October 31, 2003. He was the second overall pick in the 2003 draft by the Detroit Pistons. There was a lot of hype around him. But, unfortunately, he didn’t live up to the hype, as he had a pretty subdued career at the top level. The center played in the NBA till 2012. He had an underwhelming career according to his potential and is the 6th youngest NBA player ever.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Skillful Players in The Premier League 2022

4. Kobe Bryant

He made his debut with the Lakers aged just 18 Years 2 months and 11 days. Although, he was drafted when he was just 17. “The mamba” was the 13th pick in the draft. He spent all his 20-year-old glittering career at the Lakers. Kobe is one of the greatest players to have ever graced the court. The shooting guard is regarded widely as one of the greatest scorers ever. Kobe won everything there was to win. He is a 5 Time NBA champion. He won it three times in a row between 2000-2002. Mamba is a pure legend of the game. He was a staggering 18 times NBA All-star. Kobe was in the All-star team every season in the 21st century till he retired.

The Lakers have retired his both No.24 and the No.8 jersey. The two-time scoring champion was one of the best shooters and dunkers the game has ever seen. He once hit 82 Points in a single game. This total is only bettered by Wilt Chamberlain, who once hit 100. Kobe ranks 4th in the all-time scoring charts. The Mamba was inducted into the 75th Anniversary Team, cementing his status at the top of the ladder. He retired in 2016. He is the 4th youngest NBA player ever.

Kobe died unfortunately and untimely in 2020 in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna.

3. Jim Brown

He was picked up by the Chicago Stags. He made his debut aged just 18 years, 1 month, and 5 days on November 30, 1948. Jim also, like everyone, came just out of high school. His career was a very short one. He made only 35 appearances along with his career. Jim played in the NBA for just two years. He was traded to the Nuggets in his second season. And then, he retired from NBA and worked as a contractor. He died in 2003. Jim is the 3rd youngest NBA player ever.

2. Jermaine O’Neal

He was the 17th overall pick in the 1996 draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Jermaine made his debut aged just 18 years 1 month and 23 days on December 5, 1996. He is also the youngest player ever to score 20 points. Jermaine held the record for the youngest ever player for almost a decade. Although, his college career was in jeopardy due to him not getting good grades. Which almost meant that he wouldn’t have had a career. He then was drafted in the NBA. He played for 7 teams over his career. The center took retirement in 2014. Not the most glittering career but still a good one. Although, the potential wasn’t fulfilled after making a debut at such a young age. He is the 2nd youngest NBA player ever.

1. Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum made his debut aged just 18 years and 6 days on November 2, 2005. He was the 10th pick in the overall draft by the Lakers. This was also the final year that High school basketballers were allowed to jump straight into the NBA. He played in the pre-season at 17 years of age, making him the only player to have played in the NBA before even becoming an adult. The center was with the Lakers till 2012. After that was traded to the Cavaliers. And then he ended his career after an unfortunate knee injury at just 26 years of age with the Pacers. He is the youngest NBA player ever.

Also Read: Top 10 Greatest Liverpool players of All Time

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15. Chris Bosh (2003-2017)

Career Earnings: $ 242,110,053

Personal Highest: $26.8 Million in 2018-19 Season.

The power forward played for Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat in his career. He was forced into an early retirement by a blood clot condition that the NBA ruled to be a career-ending one. But, Bosh still played for three extra years and took an early retirement at the age of 31. The 11-time NBA All-Star was the fourth overall pick in the draft by Toronto in 2003. The 2 time NBA champion has set up a foundation in Dallas and in Toronto to promote youth education and sports. He ranks 15th in the list of highest earners in NBA.

14. Al Horford (2007-Present)

Career Earnings: $ 243,228,232

Personal Highest: $ 28.9 Million in 2018-19 Season.

The 5 time NBA All Star is currently playing for the Boston Celtics. He was the third overall pick in the 2007 draft. And he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. He has played for the Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and now for the Celtics. He was the second highest paid player in the league in the 2016-17 season.

13. Dwight Howard (2004-Present)

Career Earnings: $245,838,349

Personal Highest: $23.5 Million in 2016-17 Season.

The Center was the first pick in the 2004 draft to the Orlando Magic. The 8 time NBA All Star has played for Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers and is currently at the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a part of the Lakers team that won the title in 19-20 season. Howard was the 4th highest earner in the league in the 15-16 season.

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12. Tim Duncan (1997-2016)

Career Earnings: $245,964,351

Personal Highest: 21.1 Million in 2011-12 Season.

“The Big Fundamental” was the first pick in the 1997 draft by the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan spent all his senior career at the Spurs. He is widely regarded as the greatest Power Forward in the history of the game. Tim is one of the best mid-range shooters the game has ever seen. The 5 time NBA champion was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 and was named in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. The 15 time All Star’s No.21 jersey was retired by the Spurs franchise in December 2016.

 11 Dirk Nowitzki (1998-2019)

Career Earnings: 255,371,800

Personal Highest: 25 Million in 2016-17 Season.

Dirk was the 9th pick in the 1998 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent the entirety of his 21-year-long career. Dirk is one of the greatest Power Forwards in the history of the game. Furthermore, he is widely regarded as the greatest European player of All Time. The 1 time NBA champion is the 6th highest scorer of all time. The 14 time NBA All Star was awarded the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and was named in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. The Dallas Mavericks retired his 41 jersey in 2021. The big German could’ve been much higher on this list, but in the later phases of his career he signed friendly deals with the Mavericks. Owing to his love for the franchise.

10. Stephen Curry (2009-Present)

Career Earnings: $257,859,052

Personal Highest: $45.7 Million in 2021-22 Season.

Steph was the 7th overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Golden State Warriors. The greatest three point shooter this sport has ever seen. This 3 time NBA Champion has hit a staggering 3000 three pointers. He is the first player to be given a contract with the salary in the excess of 40 million. ‘The chef” signed a mammoth $201 Million deal with the Warriors in 2017, with his buyout being $45.7 Million, the highest ever in NBA in 2021-22. The 3 time NBA champion has been the highest-paid player in the league for a consecutive five seasons running. Following from 2017-18 to the ongoing season.

9. Blake Griffin (2009-Present)

Career Earnings: $258,432,713

Personal Highest: 34.4 Million in 2019-20

The power forward was the first pick in the 2009 draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. He is currently at the Brooklyn Nets. Blake has played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Detroit Pistons. He was the 5th Highest earner in the league in the 2017-18 season.

8. James Harden (2009-Present)

Career Earnings:  $272,039,833

Personal Highest: $44.3 Million in 2021-22 Season.

The shooting guard was the third overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden has played for Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and is currently at Philadelphia 76ers. The 10 time all star is the second highest-paid player in the ongoing season behind Steph with $44.3 Million.

7. Russell Westbrook (2008-Present)

Career Earnings: $291,756,33

Personal Highest: $44.2 Million in 2021-22 Season.

The point guard was the 4th overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook has an unprecedented 193* Triple Doubles. He has played for Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and is currently at The Los Angeles Lakers. The ‘Triple Double King’ is currently the 4th highest earner in the league, ahead of his teammate LeBron James.

6. Shaquille O’Neal (1992-2011)

Career Earnings: $292,198,327

Personal Highest: $27.6 Million in 2004-05 Season.

The Center was the first pick in the 1992 draft by the Orlando Magic. “The Diesel” is one of the greatest in his position. The 2 time NBA Scoring Champion has featured in the NBA 50th anniversary team and the NBA 75th anniversary. He has won the NBA 4 times, including a three-peat in the years 2000-2002. Shaq is a 15 time All Star and has played for Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics. Shaquille was the highest-paid player in the league in the following seasons: 99-00,04-05, and 06-07.

5. Kevin Durant (2007-Present)

Career Earnings: $313,070,742

Personal Highest: $40.9 Million in 2021-22 Season.

The small forward was the second overall pick in the 2007 draft by the Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant has won 2 NBA Championships. He is a 12 time All Star. K.D was inducted in the 75th Anniversary Team. The 1 time MVP has played for Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors and is currently at the Brooklyn Nets.

4. Kobe Bryant (1996-2016)

Career Earnings: $328,237,108

Personal Highest: $30.4 Million in 2013-14 Season.

“Mamba” was one of the greatest players NBA has ever seen. Kobe was in the All star team every season in the 21st century till he retired. The Lakers have retired his both No.24 and the No.8 jersey. Bryant, alongside Shaq, won a three-peat of NBA from 2000-02. He won a total of five championships. Kobe spent all his career at the Lakers. The two-time scoring champion was one of the best shooters and dunkers the game has ever seen. He once hit 82 Points in a single game. This total is only bettered by Wilt Chamberlain, who once hit 100. Kobe ranks 4th in the all time scoring charts. He was the highest earner in the league from seasons 2009-10 to 2015-16. Furthermore, he was the first player since Michael Jordan to have a $30 Million salary.  The Mamba was inducted into the 75th Anniversary Team, cementing his status at the top of the ladder.

3. Chris Paul (2005-Present)

Career Earnings: $330,977,385

Personal Highest: $41 Million in 2020-21 Season.

The point guard was the 4th pick overall in the 2005 draft by the New Orleans Hornets. “CP3” was the second-highest earner in the league in 2020-21 season, just behind Steph Curry. Chris Paul has played for New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and currently is at Phoenix Suns. He is a 12 Time NBA All star.

2. Kevin Garnett (1995-2016)

Career Earnings: $334,862,398

Personal Highest: $28 Million in 2003-04

The power forward was the 5th pick overall in the draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. “The Big Ticket” was one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history. He is one of the five players to have won NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. He has played for Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and the Brooklyn Nets. KG was a 15 Time All Star and won the championship once in 2008. He was the highest-paid player in the league from 2000-2004 and from 2006-2009.

1. LeBron James (2003-Present)

Career Earnings: $390,511,090

Personal Highest: $41.1 Million in 2021-22

King James is one of the greatest this game has ever seen and will ever hope to see. LeBron is currently in his 19th season and still shattering records at the age of 37. He was the first pick in the draft by the Cavaliers. James has won 4 NBA Championships. He has 4 Finals MVP and 4 MVP’s. LeBron was the third player to enter the $30 Million club, following Jordan and Kobe. James was the highest paid player in the league in 2016-17 season. The King has played for the Cavaliers, Miami, and is currently playing for the Lakers. James is the only player to have 30,00+points, 10,000+rebounds, and 10,000+ assists. LeBron is second in the all time points list, and it is only a matter of time before he becomes the outright top scorer in NBA history.

Also Read: Sergi Roberto Has An Offer From Atletico Madrid

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