Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown named Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in his all-time NBA starting five, according to an interview released on March 30. Brown made the selection during a conversation with Ahmad Rashad, as shared by NBA on X.
The topic of selecting an all-time starting five is a common debate among basketball fans and players. The inclusion of both current Lakers forward LeBron James and franchise legend Kobe Bryant reflects their ongoing influence within the sport.
Brown’s full list included James, Bryant, Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, and Bill Russell—who won 11 championships with the Celtics. The choices sparked discussion about possible team loyalties influencing selections; however, Brown’s picks are widely considered among basketball’s greatest players.
In addition to being recognized in such lists, LeBron James continues to make headlines for his performance late into his career. After a recent game win, James said on Spectrum SportsNet: “It kinda is, yeah. It kinda is at times… But there’s some plays that I still do at this point in my career where it definitely surprises me for sure.” He referred to moments when he was able to make athletic plays despite being 41 years old and playing his twenty-third season.
The continued presence of Lakers athletes like James and Bryant in these discussions highlights their impact on the league across generations.