Lonzo Ball stirred debate with his NBA Mount Rushmore picks during an appearance on Angel Reese’s Unapologetically Angel podcast, notably leaving out Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Instead, Lonzo Ball’s all-time great list featured LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Stephen Curry.
When asked why Bryant didn’t make his top four, Lonzo Ball offered a candid explanation:
“I love Kobe, but he was never the best player to me,” Lonzo Ball said. “Just because he’s got the most misses ever.” His comments, made around the 33-minute mark of the podcast, reflect a perspective shaped by statistical observations and personal impressions.
Ball’s choices for the first two spots—LeBron James and Michael Jordan—came as no surprise, given their near-universal recognition in the G.O.A.T. conversation. However, his next two picks came with some nuance.
“I’m going Shaq just because he’s the most dominant ever,” Ball explained. “We just had this debate. I would go Magic, but it’s looking like Curry might have to find his way in there, honestly.”
Ball, 27, grew up watching Stephen Curry revolutionize the game during his peak years. Curry’s impact was a driving factor in Ball’s decision to place him in such elite company.
“His resume and the way he changed the game… he’s the best shooter ever,” Ball said. “He carried USA [Basketball], like there isn’t anything he hasn’t done, and he’s got rings to back it up too.”
Curry’s transformative influence on the NBA, particularly during the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty years from 2014 to 2019, left a lasting impression on Ball. With five consecutive NBA Finals appearances and three championships during that period. Curry’s long-range shooting and style of play reshaped the modern game.
While Ball’s list has sparked debate, particularly over the omission of Bryant, it underscores the subjective nature of evaluating greatness in a league filled with legendary players.
