NBA legend Spencer Haywood recently shared his list of the top five greatest players of all time, and while he made it clear that the order wasn’t set in stone, his choices reflect both basketball greatness and personal connection. Appearing on the All The Smoke podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, the Hall of Famer opened up about who he believes belongs in the ultimate pantheon of basketball legends.
“Don’t know in this order… Kareem, Michael Jordan, LeBron James. God, I hate to squeeze Magic out. Yeah, I gotta go with my homeboy… Kobe, because I love him a lot, and he was the guy who called me and said, come visit with me and sit with me. And he said, you know, I think I want to do this movie on you.”
That list: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant, reads like a history book of basketball greatness, spanning generations and eras of dominance. What makes Haywood’s list compelling isn’t just the names, but the perspective he brings as someone who played against and alongside many of these all-time greats, helping shape the game himself in the 1970s.
Haywood’s first pick, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, comes as no surprise. Haywood played with Kareem (then known as Lew Alcindor) on the Milwaukee Bucks and later faced him countless times. Kareem’s career totals: six MVPs, six championships, and 38,387 points made him the NBA’s all-time scoring leader for nearly 40 years until LeBron surpassed him in 2023.
Next on his list, Michael Jordan, needs no introduction. Widely regarded as the greatest player in NBA history by fans and experts alike, Jordan’s combination of dominance, charisma, and perfectionism elevated basketball into global culture. For Haywood, Jordan represented not just excellence, but a mentality, a player who refused to lose, no matter the cost.
Haywood’s inclusion of LeBron James reflects an appreciation for modern greatness. Entering his 23rd NBA season with over 42,000 career points, LeBron’s career longevity, leadership, and adaptability have set new standards.
When Haywood mentioned Magic Johnson, there was a personal warmth in his voice. Magic’s five titles, three MVPs, and revolution of the point guard position made him one of the most influential figures in basketball history. His leadership of the Showtime Lakers defined an era that combined entertainment and dominance.
Finally, Haywood rounded out his list with Kobe Bryant, a player he admitted he loved a lot. He shared how Bryant reached out to him before his passing to discuss making a movie about Haywood’s life.
Spencer Haywood’s top five may spark debate as all “GOAT” lists do, but his choices carry deep weight. Each player he mentioned not only shaped the NBA but also reflected something greater: perseverance, excellence, and inspiration.
For Spencer Haywood, this wasn’t just a list of stats and accolades. It was a reflection of relationships, respect, and the profound impact these legends had on his life and the game he helped pioneer.
