Some NBA players want to be known for their game. Others seem more concerned with red carpets, camera flashes, and hanging out with A-listers than perfecting a jump shot.
This list concerns those who wanted the Hollywood spotlight as much (if not more) as the Larry O’Brien Trophy. They might have had a game, but they chased fame.
19. Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson always looked more ready for Fashion Week than a fourth-quarter battle. The man can hoop, but he enjoys being a walking Pinterest board.
18. D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell has always had a vibe that says “celebrity entourage” more than “franchise cornerstone.” He never shied away from spotlight moments, even when his play didn’t justify them.
17. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard loved the glitz and goofiness that came with fame, often at the expense of being taken seriously on the court. Basketball sometimes felt like a side hustle between his acting gigs and off-court antics.
16. Nick Young
Swaggy P might be the most appropriate nickname in NBA history. He lived for the headlines and Instagram captions; the basketball part was sometimes an afterthought.
15. LaMelo Ball
LaMelo was famous before he even stepped foot on an NBA court. With reality shows, signature shoes, and viral highlights, his celebrity arc came before his pro career began.
14. J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith was often more interested in club appearances and shirtless parades than running plays. His confidence and charisma were undeniable—but so was his love for being a star off the floor.
13. Ja Morant
Ja Morant’s talent is unreal, but lately, it’s felt like he’s been more focused on his image than his game. From flashy moments to viral drama, he sometimes seems more interested in being a persona.
12. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons has always carried himself like a star, even when his play didn’t match. From fashion shows to celebrity dating rumors, he embraced the lifestyle before proving much on the court.
11. James Harden
James Harden can dominate a game, but he also lives like a guy who’d rather be courtside at fashion week. His nightlife legend is almost as famous as his step-back three.
10. Blake Griffin
Early in his career, Blake Griffin starred in commercials, stand-up comedy sets, and sketch comedy appearances. Sometimes, basketball felt like a springboard to becoming an entertainment figure.
9. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has always looked like a model who accidentally entered the NBA. He’s stylish, smooth, and aware of the cameras—sometimes more than the scoreboard.
8. Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma has leaned hard into fashion, fame, and being friends with the glitterati. His fits might go more viral than his stat lines.
7. Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman rewrote the book on NBA celebrity behavior. The weddings, Vegas trips, and movie cameos made him a pop culture icon just as much as a basketball player.
6. Lonzo Ball
Lonzo was on TV before he was in the league, and his dad only added to the spotlight. His journey has been as much about brand-building as ball-handling.
5. Russell Westbrook
Russ has always done things his way, especially regarding fashion and public image. He embraces the spotlight with confidence, sometimes more than fans would like.
4. Carmelo Anthony
Melo had game, no doubt—but he also loved the lifestyle that came with stardom. From reality TV cameos to red carpet appearances, Melo knew how to work the fame game.
3. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie often seems like he’s chasing an identity bigger than basketball. Whether it’s art, activism, or conspiracies, he’s made being an icon part of his brand.
Read More: 18 NBA Stars Who Never Shied Away from the Spotlight
2. LeBron James
LeBron’s greatness is unquestioned, but he built a Hollywood empire while still playing. His talk shows, movie roles, and media projects made him a mogul before his retirement.
Read More: Best Celebrity Sightings at the 2024 Paris Olympics
1. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq was the original “celebrity first” NBA star. Rap albums, movies, endorsement deals—he was chasing fame as hard as he was chasing rings.
Read More: 24 Athletes Who Desperately Wanted to Be Loved
