Basketball is a team sport—unless you ask some of the players on this list. These guys weren’t just chasing wins; they were chasing headlines, highlights, and their own personal spotlight.
Whether it was hogging the ball, stirring up drama, or turning every press conference into a TED Talk about themselves, these NBA stars made it clear who came first. Here are 15 players who were all about me, me, me—sometimes to a fault, sometimes to legendary effect.
15. Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma has always played with the confidence of a franchise player—even when he wasn’t one. He never met a shot he didn’t like or a fit he didn’t want to flex on Instagram.
14. Dwight Howard
Dwight’s talent was undeniable, but his need for attention never seemed to go away. From smiling in huddles to awkward team exits, he always found a way to make it about him.
13. Monta Ellis
Monta could score, but he wasn’t too interested in sharing. He played like every possession was a one-man show—and the crowd just had to deal with it.
12. Gilbert Arenas
Arenas once brought firearms into the locker room but still talked like a misunderstood genius. He was always going to do things his way, even if it blew up the whole team.
11. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook has put up video game numbers but never seemed too concerned with efficiency. His triple-doubles were iconic—but sometimes it felt like he was stat-chasing more than win-chasing.
10. Allen Iverson
AI was a legend, but he was also the king of doing things his way. From skipping practice to redefining the dress code, everything about Iverson screamed me-first energy.
9. Rajon Rondo
Rondo had a genius-level basketball IQ—and he knew it. His relationships with coaches and teammates often took a backseat to proving how smart he was.
8. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie has the talent to carry teams, but his off-court saga is never-ending. From flat Earth to disappearing mid-season, he always finds a way to shift the spotlight back to himself.
7. Carmelo Anthony
Melo could get buckets with the best of them, but defense and passing weren’t exactly priorities. While he eventually adapted, it took years—and multiple stops—for him to embrace being something other than the guy.
6. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy believes in Jimmy—and doesn’t always care who’s in the way. When things go wrong, he usually has an intense story about why it’s not his fault.
5. Stephon Marbury
Starbury wanted to be the guy at all costs. His career had talent, drama, and plenty of moments where the team concept got lost in the sauce.
4. James Harden
Harden’s iso-heavy play style became his brand. When he wasn’t getting his way, he didn’t hide it—on the court or in team negotiations.
3. LeBron James
LeBron is an all-time great, but he runs his own show like an A-list director. From roster moves to passive-aggressive social media posts, the spotlight is always exactly where he wants it.
Read More: 15 NBA Stars Who Complained Their Way Out of a Team
2. Kevin Durant
KD wants to be seen as the best, but on his terms. Burner accounts, cryptic tweets, and constant beefs have kept the drama swirling around him for years.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Sensitive NBA Superstars of All Time
1. Kobe Bryant
Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” inspired millions—but it came with sharp edges. In his early years, he clashed with teammates (especially Shaq) and wanted the spotlight for himself. Later in his career, he became a respected leader—but he was always the main character.
Read More: 15 NBA Stars Who Took Themselves Way Too Seriously
