Basketball is as much about the show as the score. Making the highlight reel isn’t just a bonus for some players—it’s the goal.
From flashy dunks to chest-pounding celebrations, these NBA stars habitually replayed their mixtape moments a little too often. Whether it was a killer crossover or a no-look pass, they knew how to turn performance into performance art.
27. Nick Young
Swaggy P made a career out of celebrating shots before they even hit the net. That infamous three-point turnaround against the Lakers will forever live in highlight reel infamy.
26. JaVale McGee
JaVale’s blooper moments may have landed him on Shaqtin’ a Fool more times than he liked, but that didn’t stop him from celebrating every blocked shot like a game-winner.
25. DeMarcus Cousins
Boogie never met a dunk he didn’t flex on. Whether staring down a defender or jawing at a ref, he always had time to admire his work.
24. J.R. Smith
J.R. is the human version of a heat check. When he hit a shot, the celebration was as guaranteed as the basket.
23. Gilbert Arenas
Agent Zero was known for his sharpshooting, but he also loved to pose for the cameras after a deep three. That swagger made him a legend in D.C. and a meme years later.
22. Nate Robinson
The 5’9″ dunk king never missed a chance to flex after a slam. He had to make sure the crowd knew he out-jumped giants.
21. Russell Westbrook
No one screams and flexes quite like Russ after a monster dunk. The man has as much energy in his celebrations as in his game.
20. Stephon Marbury
Marbury was New York swagger personified. Between chest pounds and trash talk, he let everyone know when he was cooking.
19. Baron Davis
Few players could mix power and flair like Baron Davis. His dunk on Andrei Kirilenko in the playoffs remains one of the most celebrated in the history of the NBA.
18. Dwyane Wade
Flash knew how to play to the cameras, whether it was a no-look pass or a game-winning block. He had the celebrations to match his highlights.
17. Carmelo Anthony
Melo’s scoring touch was pure, and he let the world know it. His signature three-to-the-dome became a league-wide phenomenon.
16. Lance Stephenson
Lance was never shy about showing love to himself. His flair was unmatched, from air guitars to blowing in LeBron’s ear.
15. Vince Carter
Vinsanity changed how we see dunks forever. His contests were unforgettable, and he soaked in every bit of the moment.
14. Paul Pierce
The Truth delivered big shots with a side of a mean mug. His backpedal celebrations made it feel like he wrote the script.
13. Damian Lillard
Dame Time isn’t just a concept; it’s a celebration. His game-winning shots come with a clock-tapping signature that’s become iconic.
12. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq didn’t just dunk—you felt it in your soul. He’d often stand over defenders, grinning like a man who owned the court.
11. Dwight Howard
Dwight’s post-dunk posing was almost as consistent as his rebounding. Whether flexing or smiling, he knew how to work a camera.
10. LeBron James
LeBron is a master of the moment, from chalk tosses to primal roars. His highlights come with trademark celebrations built in.
9. James Harden
The Beard’s step-back three is only matched by his signature cooking celebration. Isolation basketball became an art form in his hands.
8. Chris Paul
His strategic pettiness matched CP3’s skill. After a big play, he always let you know—without saying a word.
7. Kevin Durant
KD’s ice-cold daggers come with a stare that could freeze a defender in their tracks. Celebrating his most significant moments has never been a problem.
6. Larry Bird
Bird didn’t just make the shot—he told you he would. And afterward? He reminded you exactly how you got beaten.
5. Magic Johnson
Magic’s passes were made for TV. He often grins before the ball even lands in a teammate’s hands.
4. Allen Iverson
The step-over and finger rolls were performance art. His swagger was unmatched, drawing cheers and groans. Crowds fed off his confidence and attitude.
3. Tracy McGrady
T-Mac’s self-alley-oop off the backboard remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. He was his own biggest fan in that split second.
2. Michael Jordan
MJ’s tongue-wagging and sky-walking became his signature. Every flight came with a flair only he could deliver.
Read More: 20 NBA Legends Who Would Break the Internet If They Played Today
1. Kobe Bryant
The Mamba’s death stare and jersey bite defined his legend. His game-winners weren’t just clutch—they were cinematic.
