Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo recently revealed his all-time top five NBA players. Notably, one very big name was missing from the list: LeBron James.
While receiving his NBA Social Justice Champion Award, Adebayo was asked to name his five greatest NBA players of all time. His list included Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and Tim Duncan.
Bam Adebayo names his top 5 players of all time:
Kobe Bryant
Steph Curry
Michael Jordan
Kevin Durant
Tim Duncan
No LeBron James 👀
(h/t @Sportswithseb) https://t.co/RWvUYlPorZ pic.twitter.com/xDABf9D6BP
— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) August 2, 2026
Despite LeBron’s four championships, four MVP awards, four Finals MVPs, and status as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Adebayo did not include him in his list.
At the same event, Adebayo also said that he respects LeBron’s decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Bam made it clear there were no hard feelings with his ‘brother..
“I’m cool with Bron. I consider Bron like a brother honestly. We’ve been Olympic teammates but even before that we’ve always had down to earth conversations. I’m happy for him. You want what’s best for somebody. That’s really how you go from there.”
Those comments suggest Adebayo’s list was not necessarily a personal slight toward LeBron.
Instead, it may simply reflect his own basketball preferences and the players who have influenced him the most.
Kobe Bryant’s inclusion was hardly surprising. Like many NBA players of his generation, Kobe was one of Adebayo’s childhood idols, and his work ethic and Mamba Mentality continue to inspire countless players.
Michael Jordan remains the gold standard for many NBA fans and analysts. His six championships, six Finals MVPs, and unmatched 6-0 Finals record have made him the leading GOAT candidate for many.
Stephen Curry revolutionized basketball with his shooting over the past decade. Tim Duncan’s five championships and sustained excellence over nearly two decades have made him arguably the greatest power forward in NBA history.
Kevin Durant’s addition will shock many fans, but Adebayo has seen Durant’s unmatched scoring ability. The 16-time All-Star is regarded as the most gifted scorer ever, as he combines guard-like skills with a seven-foot frame.
Still, leaving LeBron James off the list is certain to spark debate. LeBron owns the greatest resume in basketball history. Along with being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, he ranks fourth on the league’s all-time assists list. He has won championships with three different franchises and now hopes to become the first player in NBA history to win titles with four different teams after joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
Entering his 24th NBA season, LeBron also remains one of the league’s elite players after averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists for the Los Angeles Lakers last season before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.
GOAT debates and all-time rankings have always been subjective. Some people value championships above everything else. Some people value championships above everything else, while others prioritize peak dominance, longevity, durability, individual skill, or overall impact on the game. Adebayo’s list appears to reflect the players he personally admires the most rather than an attempt to create a universally accepted ranking.
The timing of these comments is also quite interesting. After LeBron chose the 76ers, Bam said there were no hard feelings. But he joked that he texted LeBron that he would ‘bust his a**’ when the 76ers and Heat face each other next season.
And seeing that response and his latest comments, it’s safe to say there is bad blood between the two stars.
Whether fans agree with Bam Adebayo’s rankings is another matter entirely. Leaving out a player widely regarded as one of the two greatest players in NBA history is always going to generate attention. However, all-time lists are personal opinions, not definitive rankings.
For Adebayo, these five legends make up his all-time top five, even if that means leaving out one of the most accomplished players basketball has ever seen in LeBron James.
