Los Angeles has long been a breeding ground for basketball greatness. L.A.-born stars have shaped the NBA landscape across generations. In this feature, we rank the 10 greatest NBA players born in Los Angeles County, celebrating legends who earned All-Star honors, MVPs, championships, and current or future Hall of Fame recognition.
Ranging from the dominance of Kawhi Leonard to the technical brilliance of James Harden, this list honors hometown heroes whose journeys began on L.A.’s playgrounds and led to global basketball praise. Below, we present the top-10 ranking of L.A.’s finest NBA players.
Note: this list includes only players born within Los Angeles County boundaries, meaning players born in cities such as Oakland (Paul Pierce, Gary Payton, Damian Lillard) and Merced (Ray Allen) won’t be included.
1. Kawhi Leonard
Born: June 29, 1991 (age 34), Los Angeles, California, United States
Born June 29, 1991, in Los Angeles County, Kawhi Leonard entered the league as a 15th overall pick in the 2011 Draft. Over 13 seasons, he’s built a resume that defines excellence: a career average of 20.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two Finals MVPs, and two NBA titles.
With the Clippers, he’s elevated further, averaging 24.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.2 APG across 266 games. His 2024-25 season saw him put up 21.5/5.9/3.1 on 49.8% shooting, showing elite efficiency even at age 34.
Led by actions, not words, Kawhi is known for his trademark calm and clutch two-way mastery. A beast in one-on-one defense, he delivered iconic performances: 2014 Finals dominance with the Spurs, 2019 title run with Toronto (Finals MVP), and leadership through injuries and high-stakes moments in L.A. His playoff averages of 21.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 3.0 APG reinforce his consistency when it matters most.
2. James Harden
Born: August 26, 1989 (age 35), Los Angeles, California, United States
James Harden, born August 26, 1989, in Los Angeles County, built his legend not on defense, but on offense. Over 1,151 NBA games, he’s averaged 24.1 PPG, 7.2 APG, 5.6 RPG, earned 11 All-Star nods, an MVP award (2017-18), Sixth Man of the Year (2011-12), and led the league in scoring three times and in assists twice.
In 2024-25 with the Clippers, he averaged 22.8 PPG, 8.7 APG, 5.8 RPG, earning All-NBA Third Team honors. He also signed a two-year, $81.5 M extension in June 2025. A legacy of volume and efficiency is what The Beard has inevitably left in the league.
Not to mention, Harden’s crossover scoring changed the game. He ranks second all-time in 3s made, surpassing Ray Allen’s 2,874 with the Clippers. His MVP season was historic: 30.4 PPG, 8.8 APG, 5.4 RPG, and he topped scoring charts again in 2019 and 2020. While a title has eluded him, his offensive impact is undeniable.
3. Russell Westbrook
Born: November 12, 1988 (age 36), Long Beach, California, United States
Born November 12, 1988, in L.A. County, Russell Westbrook turned UCLA into his launching pad. Across 17 seasons and 1,237+ games, he’s averaged 21.2 PPG, 8.0 APG, 7.0 RPG, been a 9-time All-Star, and won the 2017 MVP award by averaging the first triple-double since Oscar Robertson.
Though his 2024-25 season with Denver was a modest 13.3/4.9/6.1, his veteran presence became the NBA’s biggest bargain, offering leadership and buy-in on a low-salary deal that helped the Nuggets remain competitive.
Westbrook rewrote history by becoming the only player to average a triple-double over a season three times, famously tying Oscar Robertson’s single-season triple-double mark. His all-out play style defined a generation, and while the rings are fewer, his hustle and intensity made him an icon.
4. Klay Thompson
Born: February 8, 1990 (age 35), Los Angeles, California, United States
Born February 8, 1990, in L.A. County, Klay Thompson emerged from Washington State and became one of the greatest shooters ever. Across 865 career games, he’s averaged 19.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, hit .411 from deep, earned five All-Star selections, and won four titles with Golden State before moving to Dallas.
In 2024-25, he posted 14.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.0 APG over 72 games for Dallas. A devastating cold streak can flip to Game‑breaking heat; 60 points in 29 minutes (with 37 in one quarter!) against Indiana in 2016 remains NBA lore.
Thompson’s rhythm is unshakeable, a catch-and-shoot assassin with a quick trigger. He holds records for most threes in a game (14) and most points in a quarter (37). While less vocal than teammates, his gravity on the court opened up Golden State’s dynasty and continues to tilt modern spacing.
5. Reggie Miller
Born: August 24, 1965 (age 59), Riverside, California, United States
A sharpshooting legend of the Indiana Pacers, Miller spent his entire 18-year career (1987-2005) averaging 18.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG, with career shooting splits of 47.1% FG, 39.5% 3P, and 88.8% FT. He retired as the NBA’s all-time leader in made threes (2,560) and was the original “Splash Brother” before the modern era came.
A 5-time All‑Star, 3× All‑NBA Third Team honoree, Hall of Famer (2012), and NBA 75th Anniversary Team member, Reggie was the face of the Pacers during their run to six Eastern Conference Finals and a Finals appearance in 2000. He is also regarded as one of the most clutch players to have ever touched a basketball and easily a top-5 talent born in the Los Angeles area.
6. Michael Cooper
Born: April 15, 1956 (age 69), Los Angeles, California, United States
Michael Cooper was UCLA-bred but L.A.-born on April 15, 1956. Drafted 60th overall by the Lakers in 1978, he carved out a 12-year career (1979-90) as the defensive backbone of the Showtime dynasty.
Averaging 8.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.2 APG in 873 regular‑season games, Cooper’s value went far beyond the box score. He was honored with eight All‑Defensive selections (five First Team) and nabbed the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Cooper wasn’t a flashy scorer, but his intensity and defensive IQ spoke volumes. He helped lead the Lakers to five rings (1980, ’82, ’85, ’87, ’88) and shut down elite wings night after night.
In 2024, he received overdue recognition with his Hall of Fame induction. In playoff play, he elevated his game, averaging 9.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.2 APG over 168 postseason outings.
7. Gail Goodrich
Born: April 23, 1943 (age 82), Los Angeles, California, United States
Born April 23, 1943, in Los Angeles, Goodrich emerged from UCLA as one of the West Coast’s premier guards. Over his NBA career, he averaged 18.6 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.2 RPG, earning five All-Star nods and releasing pressure-packed lefty jumpers.
His 1971-72 season was iconic: he posted a career-high 25.9 PPG and helped anchor the 33-game winning streak en route to an NBA title. Goodrich commanded the Lakers’ offense before Magic Johnson’s era, pairing impeccable shooting with clutch management.
A 1972 champion, his silky efficiency and leadership out of the pick-and-roll paved the way for future L.A. point guards. His impact was cemented with Hall of Fame induction, an honor befitting a guard who consistently delivered when it mattered most.
8. Paul George
Born: May 2, 1990 (age 35), Palmdale, California, United States
Born May 2, 1990, in L.A., Paul George emerged from Fresno State into the NBA via the 2010 Draft. Over 15 seasons, he’s produced 20.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, garnered nine All-Star bids, six All‑NBA selections, and four All‑Defensive nods.
Known for his fluid scoring and elite perimeter defense, he won a gold medal in the 2016 Olympics, won Most Improved Player, and led the NBA in steals once in 2019. Amazingly, George overcame a devastating leg injury in 2014 to return stronger than ever, earning 2019 All-NBA First Team status.
He also led the Clippers to the Western Conference Finals in 2021, averaging 26.9 PPG and elevating his defensive intensity nightly. A great offensive creator with elite defense, PG-13 has blended skill, grit, and L.A. swagger.
9. DeMar DeRozan
Born: August 7, 1989 (age 35), Compton, California, United States
Though mostly associated with Compton-born identity, DeMar DeRozan was born August 7, 1989, in L.A. His 15-year career is built on smooth scoring and old-school baseline craft, averaging 21.3 PPG, 4.4 APG, 4.1 RPG, with six All-Star selections, three All-NBA selections, and an Olympic gold medal.
He’s arguably the best pure mid-range scorer of his generation. DeRozan’s style is less glam and more grind: attacking the paint, drawing fouls, stepping into mid-range pull-ups.
His move to Chicago in 2022 sparked a resurgence, averaging 27.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 4.9 APG. His candid personality and signature pre-game preparations give him that ESPN-ready aura as well.
10. Dennis Johnson
Born: December 18, 1954 (age at death 52), Compton, California, United States
Born December 18, 1954, Dennis Johnson’s path began at Compton College and led to the NBA in 1976-77. A career 14.1 PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.9 RPG, he was known as a dogged defender and on-court leader.
Johnson earned nine All-Defensive selections, two All-NBA nods, and five All-Star appearances. The 1979 Finals MVP (22.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 6.0 APG) emblemized his knack for peak moments. DJ was the spark that fueled the Sonics’ 1979 championship and later anchored the Boston Celtics’ 1984-86 three-peat.
His trademark was the steal or go-ahead shot, with game-management savviness rooted in L.A. upbringing. His defensive ferocity and clutch gene later became a blueprint for winning veterans.
Honorable Mention
Jrue Holiday
Born: June 12, 1990 (age 35), Chatsworth, California, United States
Jrue Holiday emerged in 2009 as a consensus All-American before being drafted by the 76ers. Over 16 seasons, he’s averaged 15.8 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.2 RPG, earning two All-Star bids and six All-Defensive Team honors. His standout moment came with Milwaukee, winning the 2021 NBA Championship as a central defensive presence.
Holiday isn’t a flashy scorer, but his poison is two-way reliability. He even captured a second NBA title with the Boston Celtics in 2024, posting 13.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 4.4 APG during this stint. As the missing piece behind two championship teams, he delivers stylistic consistency: playmaking, perimeter knockdown, and defensive discipline.
