Fans absolutely love to flock to their favorite celebrity’s social media profiles. It is no different for NBA stars who continue to garner wide fan following across social media platforms.
Given the amount of media attention NBA athletes receive, their social media handles enjoy just as much exposure. Be it Instagram, X, Facebook or TikTok, NBA stars are always showered with fan attention and here are the top 10 most followed NBA players on social media.
#10. LaMelo Ball
Starting off at number 10 of the most Followed NBA players is LaMelo Ball, who boasts a total of 12.2 million followers across his social media channels. LaMelo has a staggering 10.2 million followers on Instagram (@melo), 1 million on Twitter (@MELOD1P), and 1 million on Facebook (Lamelo Ball). Although he doesn’t have an official TikTok account, his popularity remains undeniable.
LaMelo Ball, who currently plays for the Charlotte Hornets, gained fame not only because of his exceptional basketball skills but also due to his uniquely turbulent dad and iconic last name.
As part of the well-known Ball family, with two older, basketball-playing brothers, LaMelo remains a concept, famous for being popular. He has appeared in the family’s Facebook show, “Ball in the Family,” where he portrays himself, further boosting his online presence.
#9. Lonzo Ball
At number 9 is Lonzo Ball, with an impressive total of 20.6 million followers across these platforms. Lonzo Ball, currently playing for the Chicago Bulls, has gained a substantial following due to his exceptional talents and intriguing backstory with 18.3 million on Instagram (@zo), 1.3 million on Twitter (@ZO2_), and 1 million on Facebook (Lonzo Ball).
Lonzo Ball rose to prominence during his high school days at Chino Hills High School in 2016. His remarkable skills on the court earned him several national high school Player of the Year honors.
However, what sets Lonzo apart is his distinctive family background. He belongs to the Ball family, with his father, LaVar Ball, and brothers, LiAngelo and LaMelo, also making headlines in the basketball world with the family brand business “Big Baller Brand”.
#8. Klay Thompson
Coming in at number 8 of most Followed NBA players is Klay Thompson, the shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors. Boasting an impressive total of 23.5 million followers across all social media platforms, including 17 million on Instagram (@klaythompson), 1.8 million on Twitter (@KlayThompson), and 4.7 million on Facebook (Klay Thompson), makes him a well-known figure in the basketball community.
Known for his remarkable shooting prowess and knack for delivering under pressure, especially in game 6s of the playoff series has earned the moniker “Game 6 Klay,” and a dynamic partnership with fellow Warrior Steph Curry known as the “Splash Brothers.”
With four NBA championships under his belt, it’s no surprise that Thompson has amassed a massive following on social media.
#7. Chris Paul
Number 7 on the list of most Followed NBA players is Chris Paul with a total combined social media following of 25.9 million across all platforms. Paul has a massive fanbase as he boasts 11.8 million followers on Instagram (@cp3), 8.3 million on Twitter (@CP3), and 5.8 million on Facebook (Chris Paul).
Chris Paul, who currently plays for the Golden State Warriors is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time. CP3 made his name known when he declared for the NBA draft in 2005 and it didn’t take long for Paul to make an impact as he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
It was soon followed by the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award which he won almost unanimously. Paul has led the NBA in assists five times and steals a record six times with his Jersey number 3, earning him his nickname “CP3.”
#6. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ranked number 6 is Giannis Antetokounmpo, with an impressive total of 28 million followers across all platforms. Breaking down the numbers, he boasts 16 million followers on Instagram (@giannis_an34), 3.2 million on Twitter (@Giannis_An34), 3.7 million on Facebook (Giannis Antetokounmpo), and 5.1 million on TikTok (@giannis_an34).
Hailing from Greece, Antetokounmpo’s immense size, speed, strength, and exceptional ball-handling abilities have earned him the nickname “Greek Freak.”
Considered one of the greatest power forwards and European players of all time, he has become a force to be reckoned with in the NBA, earning him a huge fanbase, especially after a heap of accolades including the Most Improved Player award, Defensive Player of the Year award, 2 MVP awards, 1 Finals MVP award and 1 NBA championship.
#5. Kyrie Irving
At number 5, we have Kyrie Irving, a name that resonates with 31.3 million followers in total. His Instagram (@kyrieirving) boasts the highest numbers with 19.7 million followers, followed by 4.7 million on Twitter (@KyrieIrving), 6.3 million on Facebook, and an impressive 612.7 thousand on TikTok adding him to the most followed NBA players list.
So, what makes Kyrie Irving so well-known and highly followed? It’s his unparalleled ball-handling skills that have earned him the reputation of being one of the best ball-handlers in the history of the game. His exquisite finesse and signature moves, alongside the collaboration with Nike for his unique shoe line, have left fans stunned worldwide.
#4. Russell Westbrook
At 4th spot is none other than Russell Westbrook, with an impressive total of 35.7 million followers. Westbrook’s social media presence is truly remarkable, with 23 million followers on Instagram (@russwest44), 6.7 million on Twitter (@russwest44), and 6 million on Facebook (Russell Westbrook).
Reasons for him to be well known? Notably, Westbrook is one of only two players in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, a feat he has accomplished an astounding four times. Moreover, he holds the title of the all-time NBA leader in career triple-doubles and has one of the most triple doubles in NBA playoffs.
#3. Kevin Durant
Making it to the top 3 spot on this list of the 10 most followed NBA players on social media is Kevin Durant. With a whopping total of 45.3 million followers across various platforms, including 13.4 million on Instagram (@easymoneysniper), 20.9 million on Twitter (@KDTrey5), and 11 million on Facebook (Kevin Durant), Durant has established himself as a prominent figure in the basketball world.
Recognized as one of the best players of his generation, Durant’s success extends beyond social media fame. He has earned two championship rings, having won consecutive NBA championships and NBA Finals MVP Awards in 2017 and 2018 after joining the Golden State Warriors in 2016 from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Scoring is Durant’s forte, and his ability to put points on the board makes him not only a highly skilled player but also a formidable opponent.
#2. Stephen Curry
Securing the number 2 spot on this list is none other than the legendary Stephen Curry. With a staggering total of 91.4 million followers, Curry’s social media presence is hard to ignore.
The Golden State Warriors sharpshooter extraordinaire has built a mighty following of 55.3 million on Instagram (@stephencurry30), 17.5 million on Twitter (@StephenCurry30), 12 million on Facebook (Stephen Curry), and 6.6 million on TikTok (@stephencurry30).
Regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, he has revolutionized basketball, inspiring teams and players to embrace the three-point shot like never before. With four NBA championships, two MVP titles, an NBA Finals MVP award, and a plethora of other accolades, Curry has etched his name among the sport’s greatest icons.
#1. LeBron James
LeBron James, known as “King James,” sits atop the list with a staggering total of 238.7 million followers in the list of most followed NBA players. With 159 million followers on Instagram (@kingjames), 52.7 million on Twitter (@KingJames), and 27 million on Facebook (LeBron James), LeBron James has definitely made a mark, not just on the court, but also in the world of social media, topping the list of the most followed NBA players.
Widely considered one of the greatest all-around basketball players of all time, his exceptional skills, athleticism, and versatility on the court have allowed him to achieve tremendous success throughout his career, winning three NBA championships and four NBA MVP awards since winning his first MVP as one of the youngest players to have achieved the feat.
Not only is LeBron the NBA’s all-time top scorer, but he shows no signs of slowing down as he is projected to surpass the 39,000 regular-season points mark in the early stages of the 2023/24 campaign continuing to grow his legacy as a basketball legend with each passing day.
These numbers unmistakably depict how being influential athletes on social media has played a pivotal role in the continued growth and popularity of the NBA and continues to do so with the ever-growing networking world.
