On Player of the Week awards, LeBron James is the GOAT by far
hoopshype staff
·2-min read
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on December 19, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Since Julius Erving won the first NBA Player of the Week award back in 1979, many basketball greats have collected a huge number of weekly accolades from the league. But really, it's not that close at No. 1.
In his 22 seasons as a pro, LeBron James has won the award an NBA record 69 times – which is more than No. 2 and No. 3 in the list combined. The league started naming one Player of the Week for each conference in 2001-02, which helps LeBron here. Then again, his numbers are staggering.
You can check the full ranking below...
1. LeBron James: 69
Nov 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks the ball during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
First award: 2004-05
Last award: 2024-25
2. Kobe Bryant: 33
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 22: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Pau Gasol #16 of the Memphis Grizzlies on March 22, 2007 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
First award: 2000-01
Last award: 2012-13
3. Kevin Durant: 32
Apr 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the second quarter during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
First award: 2009-10
Last award: 2023-24
4. James Harden: 26
Dec 16, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) is defended by Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
First award: 2012-13
Last award: 2020-21
5. Michael Jordan: 25
Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan (L) takes a shoot while being guarded by Atlanta Hawks Tyrone Corbin 27 March in Atlanta Ga. An NBA attendance record was broken as 62,046 fans watched the game. AFP PHOTO Steven R. Schaefer (Photo by STEVEN R. SCHAEFER / AFP) (Photo by STEVEN R. SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images)
First award: 1984-85
Last award: 2002-03
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 25
Dec 31, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
First award: 2014-15
Last award: 2024-25
7. Allen Iverson: 23
.
First award: 1996-97
Last award: 2007-08
7. Karl Malone: 23
.
First award: 1986-87
Last award: 2001-02
7. Tim Duncan: 23
.
First award: 1997-98
Last award: 2014-15
10. Stephen Curry: 20
Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after making a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
First award: 2014-15
Last award: 2023-24
10. Russell Westbrook: 20
Dec 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) controls the ball as Los Angeles Clippers guard Bones Hyland (5) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
First award: 2009-10
Last award: 2020-21
10. Kevin Garnett: 20
.
First award: 1998-99
Last award: 2011-12
10. Shaquille O'Neal: 20
.
First award: 1992-93
Last award: 2004-05
14. Carmelo Anthony: 19
.
First award: 2003-04
Last award: 2019-20
14. Dwyane Wade: 19
.
First award: 2003-04
Last award: 2015-16
16. Dwight Howard: 18
.
First award: 2006-07
Last award: 2011-12
16. Magic Johnson: 18
.
First award: 1980-81
Last award: 1990-91
18. Jason Kidd: 17
.
First award: 1994-95
Last award: 2008-09
18. Paul Pierce: 17
.
First award: 2000-01
Last award: 2011-12
20. Damian Lillard: 16
Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) brings the ball up the court against the Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (5) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
First award: 2014-15
Last award: 2022-23
20. Dirk Nowitzki: 16
JJan. 29, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center JJ Hickson (21) defends Dallas Mavericks forward (41) Dirk Nowitzki in the first half at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
First award: 2001-02
Last award: 2013-14
22. Nikola Jokic: 15
Dec 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
First award: 2017-18
Last award: 2024-25
22. DeMar DeRozan: 15
Nov 22, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Kevin Porter Jr. (77) during the first quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
First award: 2015-16
Last award: 2023-24
22. David Robinson: 15
.
First award: 1989-90
Last award: 1997-98
22. Larry Bird: 15
.
First award: 1980-81
Last award: 1987-88
26. Luka Doncic: 14
Dec 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
First award: 2019-20
Last award: 2024-25
26. Joel Embiid: 14
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 13: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates a basket during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 13, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
First award: 2016-17
Last award: 2023-24
26. Chris Paul: 14
Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
