Being great at basketball is one thing. Acting like you were born to rule the hardwood with a crown on your head? That’s another level entirely.
Some NBA stars didn’t just dominate the game—they carried themselves like kings of the court, expecting the royal treatment both on and off the court. From demanding the spotlight to expecting teammates to fall in line, these players moved through the league like it was their kingdom.
15. Carmelo Anthony
Melo never saw a shot he didn’t like and carried himself like a scoring monarch. Even in the twilight of his career, he expected to be treated like the main character.
14. DeMarcus Cousins
Boogie wasn’t just a dominant big man—he was a force of personality who made it clear he wasn’t taking orders from anyone. He walked into every locker room like it was his throne room.
13. Allen Iverson
AI changed the culture of the league and made sure everyone knew it. He moved with swagger and spoke with the confidence of someone who didn’t need a crown to prove his royalty.
12. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie talks like a philosopher-king and often behaves like one too. Whether it’s his views on leadership or the Earth, he’s never shied away from making things all about his own rule.
11. Anthony Davis
When healthy, AD is elite—but he’s also known for moving like someone entitled to special treatment. Whether it was orchestrating his exit from New Orleans or wearing “That’s All Folks” shirts, he played it like a Hollywood drama.
10. Rasheed Wallace
Sheed brought royal energy to every team he played on. His mood often dictated the vibe of the entire squad, and he had no problem letting refs, coaches, or teammates know who was boss.
9. Dwight Howard
At his peak, Dwight was a dominant force who loved the spotlight. He expected adoration and didn’t always handle it well when the kingdom turned on him.
8. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook plays every game like it’s a personal battle for the throne. He doesn’t just want to win—he wants to dominate the narrative and run the court like a one-man empire.
7. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Buckets treats every season like a royal conquest. He sets the tone, demands loyalty, and expects everyone to live up to his impossible standard—or be exiled.
6. Kevin Garnett
KG was basketball royalty with a gladiator’s edge. He ruled with intensity, expected respect, and made sure no one ever forgot who was in charge of the court.
5. Kobe Bryant
The Black Mamba moved like a monarch in full control of his empire. Teammates followed his lead—willingly or not—and he never once acted like anything less than basketball royalty.
4. James Harden
Harden’s game screamed royalty, and so did his lifestyle. From the clubs to the court, he demanded a level of freedom and deference that made it clear he expected to be catered to.
3. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq was larger than life in every sense—and he made sure everyone knew it. He dominated with a smile, but behind it was a clear message: this was his kingdom.
Read more: 25 NBA Stars Who Carried Themselves Like Basketball Royalty
2. Kevin Durant
KD knows he’s one of the best and operates with a regal sense of entitlement. Whether clapping back at critics or hopping teams in search of the perfect situation, he’s always chasing his ideal version of the crown.
Read more: 25 Golfers Who Carried Themselves Like Golf Royalty
1. LeBron James
From “The Decision” to controlling rosters like a GM in disguise, LeBron has ruled the NBA with kingly precision. His nickname is King James for a reason—and he’s never once acted like anything less.
