Sports
Stephen A. Smith Named His 5 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time
Through his various work with ESPN, Stephen A. Smith has become one of the most recognisable faces on American television. A journalist who worked his way up to become a cornerstone of one of the USA’s biggest sports networks, Smith has enjoyed a successful and lucrative career in the business.
A television personality and analyst for ESPN’s NBA coverage, Smith has been around the league for a number of decades now, and whether it’s voicing controversial opinions on First Take, or getting into verbal sparring matches with his fellow pundits, the 58-year-old has become must-watch TV.
Given his breadth of knowledge and vast experience covering the NBA, Smith is often tasked with leading ESPN’s roundtable discussions, including debates surrounding who is the greatest basketball player of all-time.
Smith has notoriously been reluctant to name a definitive list of his top 10, despite suggesting that numerous players would get in. However, on a podcast back in September 2022, the ESPN pundit did finally put down his best five in NBA history, with additional quotes on the players he selected included below.
5
Magic Johnson
Widely regarded as the greatest point guard in NBA history, Magic Johnson’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers saw him pick up a number of championships and engage in a fascinating rivalry with Lary Bird and the Boston Celtics. A towering guard who could handle the ball exceptionally well and with the passing and vision skills to match, Johnson’s physique made him a unique specimen for his position, and he used his advantages to the absolute maximum. Even in a franchise with multiple Hall of Famers, Johnson stands out.
When talking about facilitators…talking about guys who set others up, who did that better than the ‘Magic Man’? Nobody.
It is a testament to Johnson’s IQ, that not only did he thrive as a point guard, but he also acquitted himself admirably when having to step in for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the de facto center for the Lakers too. Indeed, Magic’s ability and growing responsibility with the Lakers saw him go from being a star among other superstars, to being the main man and taking over the crown from Abdul-Jabbar.
|
Magic Johnson’s Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
19.5 |
|
Assists per game |
11.2 |
|
Rebounds per game |
7.2 |
|
Steals per game |
1.9 |
|
Blocks per game |
0.4 |
|
Career awards |
3x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 12x All-Star, 9x All-NBA First Team, 1x All-NBA Second Team |
|
NBA titles |
5 |
4
Bill Russell
The most successful player in NBA history, Bill Russell’s work on the court saw him dominate the league with his monstrous rebounding and incredible defensive IQ. Having lifted the NBA trophy a whopping 11 times, Russell also earned the distinction of being named the league’s MVP on five separate occasions, including for three years in a row between 1961 and 1963. The NBA’s rebounding champ four times, Russell anchored the Boston Celtics defense and pulled in the boards left, right and centre.
Regardless of his dominance – at the end of the day Wilt Chamberlain’s No. 1 nemesis was Bill Russell. The great Bill Russell (had) eleven championships to Wilt’s two. End of discussion. You can’t have a nemesis and they out championship you by 11 to 2. That is why Wilt is left off.
Meanwhile, Russell’s work off the court and his socio-cultural impact should not be forgotten, and the fact he was able to perform at such a high level in the NBA despite facing significant adversity was a testament to his character and skill. While fans of the NBA brought up on watching Jordan and LeBron dominate the league might not be able to appreciate Russell’s greatness from so many years ago, there’s no questioning the Celtics legend – one of the greatest in franchise history – has left a lasting legacy on the game.
|
Bill Russell’s Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
15.1 |
|
Assists per game |
4.3 |
|
Rebounds per game |
22.5 |
|
Steals per game |
N/A |
|
Blocks per game |
N/A |
|
Career awards |
5x MVP, 12x All-Star, 3x All-NBA First Team, 8x All-NBA Second Team |
|
NBA titles |
11 |
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3
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Master of the sky-hook shot, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s longevity in the NBA is something that is rightly heralded even to this day. One of the bona-fide stars of the NBA before the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James emerged, Abdul-Jabbar’s success first with the Milwaukee Bucks, then with the Los Angeles Lakers, saw him win championship after championship, and MVP after MVP award.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 19-time All-Star, six-time champion, six-time league MVP, all-time leading scorer in NBA history, and the only individual in the history of the sport with one unstoppable move year after year after year spanning decades that no one can still figure out. That’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
It was only until James finally did it that Abdul-Jabbar lost his crown as the all-time leading scorer of the NBA, but that does not detract from the fact the center is one of the greatest to ever play his position. It is a testament to just how well he is viewed and respected by the wider basketball community and his peers, that even modern NBA greats like Shaquille O’Neal have repeatedly insisted Abdul-Jabbar sits above them in the GOAT list.
|
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
24.6 |
|
Assists per game |
3.6 |
|
Rebounds per game |
11.2 |
|
Steals per game |
0.9 |
|
Blocks per game |
2.6 |
|
Career awards |
6x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 19x All-Star, 10x All-NBA First Team, 5x All-NBA Second Team |
|
NBA titles |
6 |
2
LeBron James
Despite his incredible longevity that has seen his NBA career span over two decades, LeBron James does not make the number one spot in Stephen A. Smith’s list of the five greatest basketball players of all-time. The now Los Angeles Lakers star has enjoyed a stellar career, winning rings with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and his current team.
LeBron James Named His 4 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time
LeBron James might be considered one of the NBA’s best, but he left himself off in a list of the four greatest players of all-time.
Whether it is surpassing Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s leading scorer, or being one of the most dominant players and scorers the game has ever seen, LeBron’s legacy is etched into folklore. One of the arguments perhaps against James and his case for being no.1, is that he ‘built’ a super-team in Miami after struggling to get over the line in his first spell as a Cavalier.
He is still playing into his 40s, and with the Lakers still in the mix from this year’s NBA Championship, James will surely be hoping for one last hurrah of a title before he signs off and rides off into the sunset.
|
LeBron James’ Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
26.8 |
|
Assists per game |
7.4 |
|
Rebounds per game |
7.5 |
|
Steals per game |
1.5 |
|
Blocks per game |
0.7 |
|
Career awards |
4x MVP, 4x NBA Finals MVP, 21x All-Star, 13x All-NBA First Team, 3x All-NBA Second Team, 4x All-NBA Third Team, 1x ROTY |
|
NBA titles |
4 |
1
Michael Jordan
The undisputed GOAT in many people’s eyes including that of Stephen A. Smith, Michael Jordan’s list of credentials and achievements are virtually unmatched in the NBA. His hold on the title of the league’s best player during the Chicago Bulls’ legendary run of success in the 1990s underlines his status as being the best of all-time, winning numerous MVPs, Finals MVPs and championships too.
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Along with Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and coached by one of the best of all-time in Phil Jackson, Jordan had the league at his whim, and even despite going through a mini-retirement to venture into baseball, could return to the league as unquestionably the NBA’s best player. Whether it was sinking shots in the clutch, or coming up with defensive stops against some of the association’s best offensive talent, Jordan could do it all, and it is unsurprising that Smith, like many others, has him at the top of his list.
Don’t tell me that LeBron James at his best eclipsed Michael Jordan at his best — I’m not trying to hear it. I’m not trying to listen to it. I can’t imagine seeing anybody that I would say would eclipse Michael Jordan — not after what I saw with my own two eyes.
|
Michael Jordan’s Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
30.1 |
|
Assists per game |
5.3 |
|
Rebounds per game |
6.2 |
|
Steals per game |
2.3 |
|
Blocks per game |
0.8 |
|
Career awards |
5x MVP, 6x Finals MVP, 14x All-Star, 10x All-NBA First Team, 1x All-NBA Second Team, 1x DPOY, 9x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 1x ROTY |
|
NBA titles |
6 |
Below is Smith’s exact verdict on his top five when speaking on the podcast, including detail on just why he opted to go for Russell over Chamberlain, and the two other NBA players who seemingly narrowly missed out on his ranking.
Okay, top 5 players all time. Michael Jordan number one. LeBron James number two. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar number three. Guys, I don’t wanna leave out Bill Russell. 11-time champion, what he had to go through in Boston to be on the court to win back-to-back championships as a player-coach, in Boston the mental matters.
Even though Wilt was dominant, I can’t give it to Wilt when the man that he was going up against primarily got nine more titles than you. I just can’t do that. So I gotta put Bill Russell up in there at four. Damn, I think about Kobe, I think about Magic Johnson. Steph Curry’s up in there too. I’m gonna go with Earvin Magic Johnson.
Sports
Tottenham Consider Surprise Move For Man Utd Star
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer picture looks much brighter heading into the summer after Roberto De Zerbi secured their survival in the Premier League.
The north London outfit are already moving forward with strengthening their squad. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has agreed to join the club once his Anfield contract expires next month.
Spurs need to freshen up their squad after finishing 17th in the top flight for two consecutives campaigns. They will hope their injury problems will not be as momentous next season.
With the World Cup approaching, several clubs are looking to get some early business done before the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States takes centre stage.
Tottenham weigh up Marcus Rashford move
Spurs have discussed the possibility of signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, according to the Daily Mail.
Talks are planned between Rashford and the Red Devils as he seeks more clarity on his future.
The England international spent the most recent campaign on loan at Barcelona, with the Spanish club retaining a £26million option to buy the player.
However, the La Liga champions have so far been reluctant to trigger that option as they would prefer another loan. Barca have agreed a deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and are keen to sign another striker following Robert Lewandowski’s departure.
Rashford would prefer to remain with Barcelona but Spurs, along with Aston Villa and Arsenal, are reported to have discussed the potential of signing him this summer.
The 28-year-old is on £325,000-a-week at Old Trafford but it was reported last week he had agreed to take a pay cut to force through a move to Barca.
Marcus Rashford would be a huge addition to Tottenham attack
Rashford, who Gordon labelled as ‘one of the best players in the world’, would seriously upgrade Tottenham’s attack for next season if Spurs intensified their interest in the United academy graduate.
Richarlison was the North London club’s top-scorer in 2025/26 with 12 goals. Tottenham’s next two best scorers were centre-back Micky van de Ven and defensive midfielder João Palhinha – with seven each.
Meanwhile, Rashford claimed 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 games in all competitions for Barca. He helped sealed the La Liga title for the club with a stunning free-kick against Real Madrid in a 2-0 victory that clinched top spot.
He impressed in the early months of his loan spell at the club, with manager Hansi Flick hailing him as ‘unbelievable‘. After an impressive start, Rashford did spend some time on the bench, starting just 18 league games.
With Spurs, he would likely be a more regular starter and help provide greater threat to their attack. Rashford had been expected to remain in Spain but now a surprise Premier League return cannot be ruled out.
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Sports
LeBron James Named the NBA Star He Thinks Will Break His Scoring Record
In 2023, LeBron James achieved what many once believed was impossible by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The legendary Los Angeles Lakers big man had recorded 38,387 regular-season points throughout his iconic career, a total that stood untouched for decades and appeared nearly impossible to eclipse.
Everything changed, however, once LeBron entered the league and established himself as one of basketball’s most dominant forces for more than 20 years.
His remarkable durability and consistency has cemented his place among the greatest players in NBA history. After overtaking Kareem in 2023, he has continued adding to his tally and now sits at 43,253 regular-season points.
Michael Jordan Named Only NBA Player as Good as Him
Even MJ thought this NBA Hall of Famer was his equal during the 1990s.
Despite turning 41 years old, James continues to perform at an elite standard. Very few athletes in professional sports have maintained this level of excellence for such an extended period, and as long as he remains productive, his advantage atop the scoring list will only continue increasing.
Still, LeBron was once asked which active player he believes could eventually challenge his record, and he didn’t hesitate with his answer.
LeBron James’ Pick to Overtake His Scoring Record
Although surpassing James’ scoring mark feels highly unlikely in the near future, the former Cleveland Cavaliers superstar believes one current NBA player possesses the tools to do it.
During a conversation with ESPN, LeBron was asked who he thought had the best opportunity to become the league’s future scoring king and, as reported by AS, he selected Kevin Durant.
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James explained: “KD is the first guy that comes to mind. There’s a reason they call him ‘Easy Money’ and ‘Slim Reaper.’ Scoring comes naturally to him. He can knock down threes, dominate from mid-range, finish at the basket, and he’s excellent from the free-throw line as well. Those qualities matter a lot.”
The pair developed one of the defining rivalries of the modern NBA throughout Durant’s career. During the late 2010s, they battled in several NBA Finals match-ups, with LeBron representing the Cavaliers while Durant starred for the Golden State Warriors.
KD currently ranks as the second-highest active scorer in NBA history and sits fifth on the all-time list with 32,597 regular-season points. If he stays healthy, Durant could climb even higher and may potentially move past the likes of Kobe Bryant and Karl Malone.
There is still significant ground for Durant to make up before reaching LeBron’s total, as he trails by more than 10,000 points. However, few scorers in league history possess Durant’s effortless offensive skill set, and James clearly believes the Houston Rockets forward has the talent necessary to eventually make the race interesting in the years ahead.
Sports
Man Utd Will Sign £100m Star
Manchester United are planning to sign a marquee midfielder for Michael Carrick this summer, according to The Sun.
Carrick has been appointed on a two-year permanent deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a third, after an impressive interim spell in charge.
He had 17 matches in the dugout, winning 12 times, drawing three games and losing just twice.
In that time, no other Premier League side picked up more points – with the Red Devils even earning three more points than champions Arsenal during Carrick’s interim spell.
With Casemiro leaving the club, United are in the market for a new midfielder and Carrick is set to be boosted by one marquee signing to strengthen the position.
Man Utd plan £100m midfield signing
The Sun’s Manchester United correspondent Samuel Luckhurst reports a big midfield signing will be made by the Red Devils, with any deal expected to cost around £100million.
Bruno Fernandes was used in a deeper role under previous manager Ruben Amorim but Carrick has moved the Portugal international back into a more attacking midfield position.
In defensive midfield, Kobbie Mainoo has rediscovered his form under Carrick after being a bit-part player under Amorim. However, with Casemiro’s exit, a replacement will be needed for the Brazilian.
Manuel Ugarte is not viewed as good enough to fill the void left by Casemiro. United’s preference would be to sell the player but the Red Devils accept interest in him will be low due to his poor performances, meaning he is poised to stay.
His £120,000-a-week wages also mean any interested clubs would struggle to meet the player’s demands.
The midfielders on Man Utd’s radar this summer
There are several players United are targeting as they eye a big midfield addition.
Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is one name at the top end of their list but rivals Manchester City are firmly in the race and keen to get a deal done ahead of United.
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is another player of interest after an impressive few seasons in the Premier League with the Magpies following his £55million move from AC Milan.
Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid has been described as a dream target for the Old Trafford outfit but a deal for the player would be difficult to do.
Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are also options. Baleba was keen to make the move to United last summer but Brighton were not willing to lower their asking price.
Wharton’s future at Crystal Palace is also up in the air, but it has been reported that Selhurst Park club chiefs are set to hold talks with the player.
They want to convince him to spend one more year at Palace after they won the Europa Conference League on Wednesday night and qualified for the Europa League.
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