There have been so many outstanding players in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/the-top-3-smallest-players-throughout-nbas-history-20230206-SPD-3378.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA history</a> that picking only five for the finest starting lineup ever is an impossible task. Nonetheless, the following players might form the best starting five in the NBA based on their individual achievements and their effect on the game.



All five of these players have created indelible marks on the sport of basketball, and they deserve to be considered among the game’s all-time best. The sports industry is only one of several that has caught the attention of the public as generative artificial intelligence (AI) spreads.



One of the latest iterations of chatbots is ChatGPT. As its popularity grew, we decided to try an experiment and ask it to choose the NBA’s all-time top starting five.



<h2>Point Guard: Magic Johnson</h2>



Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who stood at 6 feet 9 inches, changed the game of basketball with his stature, vision, and passing abilities as a point guard. He won five NBA titles and was named Most Valuable Player in the NBA Finals and NBA MVP three times each. He finished his career averaging 11.2 assists per game and led the league in assists on four separate occasions. In addition to his 12 All-Star appearances, Johnson was selected to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.



<h2>Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan</h2>



Michael Jordan won six NBA titles, was named Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals six times, and was named NBA MVP five times. He was a 14-time NBA All-Star and a 10-time scoring champion. Jordan’s clutch heroics have earned him a reputation, and he won his sixth NBA title with the game-winning jumper he made in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals.



<h2>Small Forward: LeBron James</h2>



<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/how-many-records-does-lebron-james-hold-complete-list-of-the-forwards-records-in-nba-20230208-SPD-3383.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> is widely considered to be one of the best basketball players of all time, having won four NBA titles, four NBA Finals MVP awards, and four NBA MVP awards. Moreover, he has been chosen for the NBA All-Star Game 17 times and has been named to the All-NBA First Team 13 times. James is a formidable force on both ends of the court because of his adaptability, athleticism, and court vision.



<h2>Power Forward: Tim Duncan</h2>



Tim Duncan won five NBA titles, three NBA Finals MVP awards, and two NBA MVP awards throughout his career. His dependability, leadership, and clutch performance earned him widespread acclaim. Being one of the best power forwards in NBA history, Duncan was chosen for 15 All-Star Games.



<h2>Center: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</h2>



With 38,387 points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the NBA record for most points scored. He was honored with six NBA MVP trophies, as well as two NBA Finals MVP honors, and two NBA championships. In addition to his 19 seasons as an NBA All-Star, Abdul-Jabbar was selected to play on the NBA’s All-Time Team for its 50th anniversary. He played in the NBA for a total of 20 seasons and was legendary for his unguardable skyhook.

No Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain: ChatGPT picks NBA's all-time best starting five

No Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain: ChatGPT picks NBA's all-time best starting five - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas

By becoming the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/lebron-james-and-other-nba-greats-who-could-have-had-successful-nfl-careers-20221221-SPD-3274.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His total of 38,387 points is more than the previous record established by <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/no-relationship-between-lebron-james-and-kareem-abdul-jabbar-20221005-SPD-2922.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a>, a forward who achieved that mark in 1989.



With the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles, James set the mark in the 20th season of his legendary career. A 21-foot jumper made by the Los Angeles Lakers great late in the third quarter on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder sent him over the 38,387-point mark, previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.



In comparison to the 1,560 games it took Abdul-Jabbar to reach that mark, James reached that milestone in little more than 1,400 games played. Michael Jordan’s 30.1 points per game are the most ever in NBA history. James’ 27.1 places him seventh all-time, second only to Kevin Durant among currently active players (27.3).



<h2>LeBron James’ NBA career highlights and awards</h2>



<ul><li>4× NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)</li><li>4× NBA Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)</li><li>4× NBA Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)</li><li>19× NBA All-Star (2005–2023)</li><li>3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008, 2018)</li><li>13× All-NBA First Team (2006, 2008–2018, 2020)</li><li>3× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2007, 2021)</li><li>2× All-NBA Third Team (2019, 2022)</li><li>5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2013)</li><li>NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014)</li><li>NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)</li><li>NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)</li><li>NBA scoring champion (2008)</li><li>NBA assists leader (2020)</li><li>NBA all-time leading scorer</li><li>NBA 75th Anniversary Team</li><li>4× AP Athlete of the Year (2013, 2016, 2018, 2020)</li><li>3× Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2012, 2016, 2020)</li><li>Time Athlete of the Year (2020)</li><li>USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2012)</li></ul>

How many records does LeBron James hold? Complete list of the forward's records in NBA - thesportsdrops NEWS

How many records does LeBron James hold? Complete list of the forward's records in NBA

Growing up, young athletes often find success in more than one sport. While some want to make it to the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, others have their sights set on the MLB. Some people compete in track meets because they want to emulate the greatness of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-rookies-for-2022-23-nfl-season-20221207-SPD-3236.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> players.



There are instances when athletes disregard their likely position or compensation and seek a career in the sport they love the most. Some people are simply motivated by financial gain or the chance to excel in a particular activity.



Regardless, it’s easy to wonder whether those athletes wouldn’t have been just as successful, if not better if they had taken a different career route. Therefore, we will inform you about three NBA greats who, in retrospect, perhaps would have been as successful in the NFL.



<h2>3. John Havlicek</h2>



John Havlicek, a superstar for the Boston Celtics, was an All-Star in baseball, football, and basketball during his formative years. It’s true that he was picked up in both the NFL and NBA drafts.



The good news for basketball fans is that the renowned guard/forward opted to take his skills to the floor, where he won eight NBA titles, appeared in thirteen All-Star Games and was named Finals MVP once.



<h2>2. Allen Iverson</h2>



All-Star guard Allen Iverson once said that football was his true passion, surpassing even his beloved sport of basketball. He even said he was better at football than basketball, which, when you see the clips, doesn’t seem that far-fetched.



The legendary Philadelphia 76ers player could also play quarterback, kick returner, and defense. Iverson had 21 interceptions throughout his high school career, including a record-tying 5 in a single game because of his exceptional quickness. In addition, he guided his teams to victories at the state level.



<h2>1. LeBron James</h2>



<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-small-forwards-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221202-SPD-3219.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> wasn’t only inflicting devastation on football before he became the most anticipated basketball prospect of all time. Two times he was named to the All-State team, and he also established several records while playing wide receiver and quarterback.



James, who had a similar build to Calvin Johnson, would have had a terrific NFL career. As a football player, he attracted attention from many schools, including Miami, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Ohio State.

LeBron James and other NBA greats who could have had successful NFL careers

LeBron James and other NBA greats who could have had successful NFL careers - thesportsdrops NEWS

As a result of their stature and ability to exert complete control over the game in many situations, small forwards have become one of the most important positions in the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-centers-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221124-SPD-3193.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>. It’s no surprise that some of the previous NBA champions have included stars like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant.



Modern NBA teams rely heavily on small forwards because of their ability to shoot, distribute the ball, and defend several positions. Every NBA club is on the lookout for a dominant small forward because that guy is the one who ultimately decides whether or not the team becomes champions.



The small forward position has produced some of the game’s greatest players. Larry Bird was the first really legendary small forward in the NBA, long before LeBron James’s arrival. These are the three best small forwards in the NBA right now, who are still yet to reach those highs, as per&nbsp;NBA.com.



<h2 id="block-a387b47d-c83c-4d9a-8dab-231434abb440">3. Kawhi Leonard</h2>



The last time anybody saw Leonard play well was in 2021, so it’s natural that they have forgotten how excellent he really is. He was among the league’s elite until sustaining an ACL injury that season. Even at the age of 31, he has plenty of time remaining to have a few more great seasons.



<h2 id="block-da6feb82-2c0f-4195-8223-631b6740babb">2. Kevin Durant</h2>



Durant‘s apparent trade request became the biggest news item of the summer until he finally backed out of it. KD is the greatest pure scorer in the game right now, and there’s no reason to think that won’t continue this season, provided he stays healthy.



<h2 id="block-170abb92-7350-44d7-bebc-5589ccbd3766">1. LeBron James</h2>



<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-shooting-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221127-SPD-3197.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James,</a> being 37 years old, no longer has the same explosiveness around the basket that he once had. But he more than makes up for it with the gaming knowledge that will go down in history books.



He will have another amazing year and is still an All-NBA caliber player. About halfway through the year, he will most likely become the all-time leading scorer. James is no longer a true small forward. He spent more time at the center than ever before last season, and he excelled there.

Top 3 small forwards in 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 small forwards in 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS

There is no question that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-the-russell-westbrook-trade-the-lakers-have-seriously-considered-20221004-SPD-2889.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> will eventually surpass <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-to-make-injury-comeback-to-clippers-lineup-in-pre-season-game-against-trail-blazers-20221002-SPD-2883.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Considering James is still playing at a high level and is coming off a year in which he averaged over 30 points per game, he should overtake the Los Angeles Lakers star and Hall of Famer at some point this season. 



Assuming he remains healthy, James has a shot at the record midway through the season if he scores around the same number of points for the Lakers as he did last year.



This is a big deal for the start of the season, but LeBron didn’t say much about his feelings toward or history with Abdul-Jabbar. LeBron James was questioned about the Lakers’ legendary former player and whether or not the two were related after Monday night’s pre-season opener.



<h2>LeBron James gives frigid answer on possibility of breaking Kareem’s record</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“No thoughts, and no relationship,” James said.</blockquote>



It was a very frigid comment about a real legend of the Lakers and the NBA, and someone with whom James will be associated for months. The veteran is now 1,325 points short of catching up to Abdul-all-time Jabbar’s record of 38,387 as the new year begins. He would need only 49 games to reach the mark if he kept up his career scoring average of 27.1 points per contest.

'No relationship' between LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

'No relationship' between LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - thesportsdrops NEWS

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-russell-westbrook-willing-to-make-big-commitment-for-the-lakers-2693-20220906-SPD-2693.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> want to leave two <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/i-made-the-playoffs-last-year-they-didnt-patrick-beverley-pokes-fun-at-new-teammates-lebron-james-and-anthony-davis-2706-20220907-SPD-2706.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disappointing seasons</a> behind to get back to glory days. The team may have work to do to get there, but with LeBron James on their roster, they are allowed to dream.



After months of speculation, The King put pen to paper to a contract extension with the Purple and Gold. He may be 37, but he is not showing any signs of slowing down. Instead, it looks like he has a lot left in the tank.



James is also a true competitor, so the front office must play its part and surround him with the right tools. <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-how-patrick-beverley-trade-could-impact-future-of-russell-westbrook-at-lakers-2618-20220827-SPD-2618.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rob Pelinka</a> said the team will do an effort to put the best team possible around LeBron, but only if it’s a “smart” trade.



<h2>Rob Pelinka explains how Lakers plan to build around LeBron</h2>



“Let me abundantly clear: We have one of the great players in LeBron James to ever play the game on our team,” Pelinka said, via Fadeaway World. “He committed to us with a long-term contract, a three-year contract. So of course we will do everything we can, picks included, to make deals that give us a chance to help LeBron get to the end.



“He committed to our organization. That’s got to be a bilateral commitment, and it’s there. Again, as I started the question by saying, we are committed to doing everything we can to put the best team around LeBron as long as it’s a smart trade because of the limitations caused by the Stepien rule and the implications of that.”

NBA News: Lakers committed to helping LeBron James, but there's a catch

NBA News: Lakers committed to helping LeBron James, but there's a catch - thesportsdrops NEWS

Never will you hear anybody say that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-how-patrick-beverley-trade-could-impact-future-of-russell-westbrook-at-lakers-2618-20220827-SPD-2618.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Beverley</a> lacks self-assurance. He confirmed his reputation at Tuesday’s news conference, his first with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-russell-westbrook-willing-to-make-big-commitment-for-the-lakers-2693-20220906-SPD-2693.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>.



Many people were taken aback when Beverley was sent off to the Lakers last month. Beverley quickly cut off the reporter who had begun the inquiry by claiming that he would get to play alongside <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/lakers-owner-jeanie-buss-defends-best-player-last-season-russell-westbrook-2646-20220831-SPD-2646.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/neither-lebron-nor-davis-draymond-green-says-this-player-was-key-for-lakers-2020-title-2493-20220810-SPD-2493.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis</a>.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“They’re gonna be playing with me. I made the playoffs last year, they didn’t. It’s a difference … I’m glad that, you know, we get a chance to play with each other.”</blockquote>



<h2>Patrick Beverley won’t submit to likes of James or Davis</h2>



There is also a history between Beverley and LeBron. The veteran point guard recently admitted to carrying a chip on his shoulder because of his dismissal from the Heat as a rookie soon after LeBron’s arrival.



Meanwhile, even though Westbrook and the 34-year-old are rivals, he was the only Lakers player to show up to Beverley’s first formal debut with the club. The duo established together they are ready to join up by enthusiastically hugging each other after the point guard had finished speaking.

"I made the playoffs last year, they didn't" &#8211; Patrick Beverley pokes fun at new teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis

"I made the playoffs last year, they didn't" - Patrick Beverley pokes fun at new teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis - thesportsdrops NEWS

"I made the playoffs last year, they didn't" – Patrick Beverley pokes fun at new teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis

The National Basketball Association made the decision to formally retire <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/neither-lebron-nor-davis-draymond-green-says-this-player-was-key-for-lakers-2020-title-2493-20220810-SPD-2493.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Russell’s No. 6 jersey</a> for the 2022-23 season on Thursday afternoon. Because of his tremendous influence in the NBA, Russell became the first player to have his number retired by every franchise.



Players presently wearing the No. 6 jersey will be allowed to keep doing so under the new regulation that will go into effect for the next season, but the team may choose not to give the number to any new players. The NBA said in a press release that players who currently wear the No. 6 would be “grandfathered” into the league for the next season. 



A league representative has said that should any of these players switch clubs, they would be allowed to keep wearing the same number 6. The implication is that it is not quite true that the number will never be worn again, at least for teams that have not yet retired it. That being stated, below are the most recent players to wear No. 6 for each club in the league:



<h2>Most recent NBA players to wear No. 6 for each club:</h2>



<ul><li>Atlanta Hawks:&nbsp;Lou Williams, 2021-22 — Williams, whose second stint with his hometown team — and first wearing No. 6 — began at the 2021 trade deadline, is a free agent.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Brooklyn Nets:&nbsp;David Duke&nbsp;Jr., 2021-present</li><li>Boston Celtics: Bill Russell, 1956-1969</li><li>Charlotte Hornets:&nbsp;Jalen McDaniels, 2019-present</li><li>Chicago Bulls:&nbsp;Alex Caruso, 2021-present</li><li>Cleveland Cavaliers:&nbsp;Moses Brown, 2022</li><li>Dallas Mavericks:&nbsp;Kristaps Porzingis, 2019-22</li><li>Denver Nuggets:&nbsp;DeAndre Jordan, 2022-present</li><li>Detroit Pistons:&nbsp;Hamidou Diallo, 2021-present</li><li>Golden State Warriors:&nbsp;Alen Smailagic, 2019-21</li><li>Houston Rockets:&nbsp;Kenyon Martin Jr., 2020-present</li><li>Indiana Pacers:&nbsp;Lance Stephenson, 2010-12; 2022 — Stephenson, whose third stint in Indiana began in January with a series of COVID hardship exceptions and 10-day contracts, is a free agent.&nbsp;</li><li>Los Angeles Clippers: Moses Brown, 2022-present — Brown is the only player aside from the next guy on this list to appear on it more than once.&nbsp;</li><li>Los Angeles Lakers:&nbsp;<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-and-lebron-james-not-close-to-contract-renewal-agreement-2456-20220805-SPD-2456.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James,</a> 2021-present</li><li>Memphis Grizzlies:&nbsp;Kenneth Lofton Jr., 2022-present — Lofton, who signed a two-way contract with Memphis after going undrafted, has worn No. 6 in promotional photos and wore the number in summer league. There is no number listed next to his name, however, on the Grizzlies’ official roster page. When asked via email if Lofton had officially been issued the number, the team did not immediately respond. (Otherwise, the Grizzly to wear No. 6 most recently was&nbsp;Shaq Buchanan, who appeared in two games in late December last season on a 10-day contract.)</li><li>Miami Heat: LeBron James, 2010-2014</li><li>Milwaukee Bucks:&nbsp;Luca Vildoza, 2022-present</li><li>Minnesota Timberwolves:&nbsp;Jordan McLaughlin, 2019-present</li><li>New Orleans Pelicans:&nbsp;Tyrone Wallace, 2022 — If not for Wallace signing two 10-day contracts with the Pelicans in March,&nbsp;Nickeil Alexander-Walker&nbsp;would represent two teams on this list.&nbsp;</li><li>New York Knicks:&nbsp;Quentin Grimes, 2021-present</li><li>Oklahoma City Thunder:&nbsp;Jaylin Williams, 2022-present</li><li>Orlando Magic: Patrick Ewing, 2001-02 — Ewing, who spent his final season in the NBA with the Magic, is the only player to ever wear No. 6 for the team.&nbsp;</li><li>Philadelphia 76ers: Julius Erving, 1976-1987</li><li>Phoenix Suns: Walter Davis, 1977-1988 — Davis is the only player to ever wear No. 6 for the Suns.</li><li>Portland Trail Blazers:&nbsp;Keon Johnson, 2022-present</li><li>San Antonio Spurs: Avery Johnson, 1992-1993; 1994-2001</li><li>Sacramento Kings: Bob Burrow, 1956-57 — When Burrow wore No. 6, the franchise was known as the Rochester Royals. The team moved to Cincinnati the next year, and, while it has since played home games in Kansas City, Omaha and Sacramento, one thing has remained consistent: Nobody has worn No. 6. &nbsp;</li><li>Toronto Raptors:&nbsp;Cory Joseph, 2015-17</li><li>Utah Jazz: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 2022-present</li><li>Washington Wizards: Kristaps Porzingis, 2022-present</li></ul>

Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey retired by NBA: The last players to wear No. 6 for each team - thesportsdrops NEWS

Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey retired by NBA: The last players to wear No. 6 for each team

There is no immediate deal between the Lo<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-if-donovan-mitchell-joins-knicks-lakers-might-move-for-julius-randle-2448-20220803-SPD-2448.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s Angeles Lakers</a> and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lebron-james-not-expected-to-depart-the-lakers-anytime-before-2024-2405-20220729-SPD-2405.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>, according to ESPN‘s Dave McMenamin, who spoke on NBA Today to discuss the situation. Since he’ll be an unrestricted free agent at the end of June, there’s theoretically no need for James to sign a contract extension before then.



Rob Pelinka met with Lebron James’ counsel Rich Paul on Thursday, but no deal has been reached. James’ agency hailed the discussion as “constructive.” Talks will continue between the two parties, according to McMenamin.



Since his kid, Bronny, will be able to join the NBA Draft by 2024, a new claim from Marc Stein suggests that James is content in Los Angeles and has no intention of leaving until that time has passed. In the past, James has expressed a desire to play alongside his son.



<h2>LeBron James’ future yet to be decided</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Sources briefed on the matter stress that James is extremely happy in Los Angeles despite the Lakers’ back-to-back rocky seasons. He and his family, by all accounts, have grown increasingly entrenched in Southern California since James signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018. “The prevailing thinking in league circles holds that only the chance to play elsewhere alongside son Bronny James, who will be eligible for the 2024 draft and continues to develop as an NBA prospect, would spur LeBron to push for an L.A. exit”, Marc Stein writes.</blockquote>

LeBron James