Gilbert Arenas Reveals His Top 10 Players Of All Time Since 1990; LeBron Surprisingly At 3rd Place
Gilbert Arenas has never been afraid to speak his mind, and his latest rankings of the greatest basketball players since the 1990s are already sparking plenty of controversy and conversation online.
The former NBA All-Star took to Instagram and X to post not one, but three different Top 10 lists: his personal greatest of all time since the '90s, his all-time favorite players, and what he dubbed the 'Media's Top 10' of all time. And in a surprising twist, LeBron James lands only third on Gilbert's greatest list.
Here's how Arenas ranked his Top 10 Greatest Players Since the 1990s:
1. Michael Jordan
2. Kobe Bryant
3. LeBron James
4. Magic Johnson
5. Tim Duncan
6. Stephen Curry
7. Shaquille O'Neal
8. Kevin Durant
9. Hakeem Olajuwon
10. Nikola Jokic
Arenas puts Michael Jordan at No. 1, no shocker there. The six-time champion, five-time MVP, and cultural icon continues to hold the GOAT crown in the eyes of many. However, the big twist comes at No. 2, where Arenas puts Kobe Bryant ahead of LeBron James.
This is sure to ignite debate across fan bases, especially with LeBron widely regarded as the greatest statistical player ever, leading in all-time points, ranking top five in assists, and being the only player with 20+ seasons of elite production.
But for Arenas, Kobe's Mamba Mentality, five rings, and scoring prowess edge him just slightly ahead of LeBron. At No. 4, Arenas places Magic Johnson, who dominated the 1980s but was still active briefly in the '90s, though his inclusion in a list 'since the 90s' may raise some eyebrows.
The rest of the list features a blend of dominant big men and transformative guards. Tim Duncan, the ultimate winner and quiet assassin, sits at No. 5. Stephen Curry, the man who revolutionized the game with the three-point shot, is ranked 6th. Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most dominant forces ever, lands at 7.
Kevin Durant and Hakeem Olajuwon take the next two spots, while Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP and a Finals MVP, sneaks in at No. 10, perhaps reflecting how much Arenas respects Jokic's impact on the modern game.
Alongside this list, Arenas also revealed his Top 10 Favorite Players, which is clearly a more personal, emotional ranking:
1. Kobe Bryant
2. Penny Hardaway
3. Magic Johnson
4. Allen Iverson
5. Kevin Durant
6. Dwyane Wade
7. James Harden
8. Russell Westbrook
9. Kyrie Irving
10. Damian Lillard
This list is filled with flair-heavy guards, scoring artists, and players known for their handles and highlight reels. Penny Hardaway and Allen Iverson may not make many GOAT lists, but they clearly influenced Arenas' own basketball style.
Notably, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, two polarizing stars, make the cut, as well as current stars like Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard, who have always been fan favorites for their fearless offense.
To round it out, Arenas also mocked what he sees as the 'Media's Top 10', a more traditional and legacy-based list:
1. Michael Jordan
2. LeBron James
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
4. Magic Johnson
5. Wilt Chamberlain
6. Bill Russell
7. Larry Bird
8. Tim Duncan
9. Oscar Robertson
10. Kobe Bryant
By sharing all three lists, Arenas made a point: greatness is often subjective. What the media values, what fans adore, and what players like him admire, don't always align. But one thing is certain: Arenas' latest ranking will fuel endless debates across social media and barbershops alike.This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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