James simply the best
Last week, LeBron James won his fourth NBA championship when the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat. Jeff Cheshire looks at where that rates him among the game’s very best.
10
Oscar Robertson
Achievements: One championship, one MVP.
A forerunner of the modern allround player, Robertson would routinely put up tripledoubles as a guard and was capable of doing everything. 9
Kobe Bryant
Achievements: Five championships, one MVP.
Close to perfect footwork made him an elite isolation scorer. Defensively a menace on the perimeter and renowned for his work ethic and competiveness, known as the ‘‘Mamba Mentality’’. At times perhaps guilty of being too individual, although carried a heavy load for the Lakers after Shaquille O’Neal was traded.
8
Wilt Chamberlain
Achievements: Two championships, four MVPs, 100point game.
An athletic big man who dominated the 1960s, Chamberlain posted huge numbers as a scorer and rebounder. Statistically he could be higher, but by many accounts was too much of an individual for much of his career. 7
Tim Duncan
Achievements: Five championships, two MVPs.
The ‘‘big fundamental’’ reliably scored, rebounded and defended efficiently for 15 years. Used the backboard better than anyone. Never in controversy and rarely had bad nights. Won five rings with the San Antonio Spurs, his only finals loss being in seven games against James’ Miami Heat in 2013.
6
Larry Bird
Achievements: Three championships, three MVPs.
Brought an allround skill set, high IQ and one of the most competitive mentalities ever. Maybe lacked athleticism, but made up for that in other areas. One of the first forwards to incorporate the threepoint shot. 5
Magic Johnson
Achievements: Five championships, three MVPs.
The original big point guard, Johnson’s passing and playmaking ability was perhaps the best ever and his ability to play at pace was the cornerstone of his Lakers teams. Had a great rivalry with Bird and the Boston Celtics throughout the 1980s.
4
Bill Russell
Achievements: 11 championships in 13 seasons, five MVPs.
A giant compared to his contemporaries, Russell was key to the Boston Celtics winning 11 rings between 1957 and 1969. Possibly the greatest shotblocker of all time and among the greatest rebounders, although not a renowned scorer.
3
Kareem AbdulJabbar
Achievements: Six championships, six MVPs, NBA all time leading scorer.
His sky hook remains the most unguardable shot in history. Solid defensively, he showed longevity over 20 years at both the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, completely dominating the 1970s in particular.
2
Michael Jordan
Achievements: Six championships, never lost in the finals, five MVPs.
A straight competitor who lived for the big moment, Jordan would will his way to championships and at his peak was untouchable. Incredible at finishing tough shots and added a great post and midrange game. Defensively he was superb on the perimeter. Not a prolific threepoint shooter, although very few were in the 1990s. Could easily be No 1.
1
LeBron James
Achievements: Four championships, four MVPs, has led the NBA in scoring (2008) and assists (2020).
Maybe the smartest ever player and combines size, athleticism and skill like noone else. The master of exploiting a team’s defensive weakness. At his peak could guard every position and offensively is as good playing point guard as he is in the post. Lacked a jump shot early in his career, although now can score in any way and is an even better passer.