15 NBA Stars Who Took Themselves Way Too Seriously

Basketball is supposed to be fun—trash talk, buzzer-beaters, signature celebrations, and the occasional Shaqtin’ a Fool moment. But some NBA stars seemed like they were always locked in full-serious mode, treating every missed call like a betrayal and every question like a cross-examination.

Whether it was cold stares in press conferences or complete refusal to crack a smile on the court, these players acted like the fate of the world hung on every possession. Here are 15 NBA stars who definitely could have relaxed just a little bit.

15. Kawhi Leonard

Yes, he’s a robot, and yes, he’s famously low-key—but at times it’s like Kawhi is allergic to fun. He takes being serious to such a high level that even his laugh sounds like it’s trying not to exist.

14. Ben Simmons

Ben treats criticism like it’s a conspiracy, and he’s been in full defensive mode since the moment things went sideways in Philly. Between holdouts, vague statements, and icy silence, the dude just can’t seem to laugh at himself.

13. Kevin Durant

KD is an all-time great who lets social media get under his skin like it’s part of his training regimen. Whether he’s clapping back on burner accounts or stewing in pressers, he’s always ready to defend his legacy like it’s under siege.

12. Russell Westbrook

No one plays harder, but Russ also takes slights—real or imagined—very personally. Interviews with him are often more tense than playoff games.

11. Reggie Miller

Reggie loved to jaw at opponents, but when the tables turned, he acted like it was a personal insult. He played with a chip on his shoulder the size of Indiana.

10. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie often speaks like he’s delivering a TED Talk on alternate dimensions. Whether it’s flat Earth theories or philosophical monologues after games, he takes himself and his words very seriously.

9. Tim Duncan

Duncan was quietly intense, but don’t let the stone face fool you—he was always locked in serious mode. If you ever saw him smile on the court, you probably blinked and missed it.

8. Isiah Thomas

Zeke had incredible talent, but he always carried himself like he was constantly being wronged. Whether it was media beefs or Hall of Fame drama, he rarely let things roll off his back.

7. Chris Paul

CP3 is a basketball genius, but also a legendary ref-arguer and teammate scolder. He plays every game like he’s personally responsible for the NBA rulebook.

6. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy’s intensity is off the charts, and he wears it like a badge of honor. He expects perfection from teammates and carries himself like he’s the league’s final boss.

5. Kobe Bryant

Kobe’s Mamba Mentality was iconic, but it also meant he rarely turned off that all-business switch. Every game, practice, and probably team dinner felt like a must-win situation.

4. Michael Jordan

MJ was the GOAT of taking things personally—just ask anyone who’s seen The Last Dance. If you breathed near him the wrong way, it became bulletin board material.

3. Paul Pierce

Pierce spent a good chunk of his post-playing career trying to convince everyone he was better than LeBron. His confidence was legendary, but his seriousness about his own legacy might’ve been a bit much.

2. Karl Malone

Malone was an incredible player, but his gruff attitude and constant insistence on respect made him hard to root for. He always seemed like he was stuck in a permanent scowl.

1. LeBron James

LeBron is an all-time legend, but he treats his legacy like it’s the Declaration of Independence. From subtweets to cryptic interviews to staged moments of silence, he often carries the weight of the league with the intensity of a Shakespearean actor.