Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, is not only celebrated for his political legacy but also admired for his deep passion for basketball. A long-time fan of the sport, Obama often references basketball in speeches and interviews. Recently, he reignited debates among NBA fans by revealing his personal ‘Starting 5’—a lineup of players he believes could dominate any competition. Obama Picks His ‘Starting 5’ and shocks fans by excluding Lakers legends Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson.
The video shows Obama enthusiastically discussing his dream lineup, stating, “If I just put together a team where I would enjoy watching it, and I think they’d beat anybody… I’d start with Michael Jordan at shooting guard, LeBron James at point forward, Steph Curry because we’re in the 3-point era, Hakeem Olajuwon at center, and Kevin Durant rounding it off.” This selection—Obama’s personal ‘Starting 5’—omitted Lakers greats who have left an indelible mark on the franchise and NBA history, leaving many fans shocked and confused.
The exclusion of Kobe Bryant in particular stood out. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Bryant spent 20 seasons with the LA Lakers, leading the team to five NBA championships and earning two Olympic gold medals. Kobe’s influence extended beyond the court through his “Mamba Mentality,” an ethos of relentless work and focus that inspired athletes across the globe. His tragic death in January 2020 further cemented his legacy, and many fans view his omission from Obama’s ‘Starting 5’ as a glaring oversight.
Likewise, Shaquille O’Neal, arguably the most dominant center in NBA history, and Magic Johnson, a point guard who revolutionized the position with his dazzling playmaking abilities, were also conspicuously left out. O’Neal helped the Lakers win three consecutive NBA championships alongside Bryant in the early 2000s, while Johnson’s leadership was instrumental in the “Showtime” Lakers’ success during the 1980s, bringing five NBA titles to Los Angeles. For Lakers fans and basketball purists alike, the absence of these towering figures from Obama’s ‘Starting 5’ sparked widespread discussion.
Despite the omissions, it’s clear Obama selected players based on personal enjoyment and contemporary playstyles rather than adhering strictly to historical consensus. “I love watching Steph Curry. His shooting and flair are part of what makes today’s game so exciting. And Hakeem ‘The Dream’—his footwork and skills as a big man would still dominate in this era,” Obama explained. LeBron James, included as the point forward, is an obvious choice given his unparalleled versatility, scoring prowess, and basketball IQ. As for Kevin Durant, his inclusion may have raised the most eyebrows. Durant’s ability to score from nearly anywhere on the court is undeniable, but some fans felt that his inclusion came at the expense of players with more championship rings or loyalty to their franchises.
From one basketball fan to the next, I hope you enjoy @HGMedia‘s docuseries – Starting 5 – which is streaming now on @Netflix.
And if you were ever wondering which players I’d have in my starting five – take a look! pic.twitter.com/Vet3Zz68Fr— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 13, 2024
Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016 after leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder remains a point of contention for many fans. While he undeniably bolstered the Warriors’ dominance, helping them win two NBA championships, Durant’s legacy is often scrutinized in light of that move. For fans loyal to players like Bryant or Magic Johnson, who led their teams through thick and thin, Durant’s place in Obama PIcks his ‘Starting 5’ may not sit as well.
The exclusion of Kobe Bryant, in particular, comes as a surprise given the relationship the two shared. In 2010, Obama welcomed the Lakers to the White House following their NBA Finals victory over the Boston Celtics, a title that Bryant helped secure with his stellar play. When Bryant passed away in 2020, Obama was one of the first to publicly express his condolences. “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” Obama said at the time, paying tribute to the basketball icon. Given this history, many fans expected Bryant to be included in Obama’s ‘Starting 5’. His absence from the lineup, especially considering his immense contributions to the game, remains a point of controversy.
Barack Obama’s love for basketball extends far beyond fandom. In May 2023, while promoting his Netflix show Working: What We Do All Day, Obama revealed that his childhood dream was to play in the NBA. “As a kid, I told adults that I wanted to be an architect, but secretly, I was convinced I’d be an NBA player,” Obama shared. He quickly acknowledged, with a laugh, that his lack of athleticism—particularly his “hops”—prevented that dream from becoming a reality. Despite this, Obama’s lifelong enthusiasm for the sport remains strong, and his choices for a ‘Starting 5’ reflect both his personal preferences and his deep respect for players who have shaped the NBA.
Barack Obama picks his ‘Starting 5’ lineup was his personal selection, but it serves as a reminder of how individual tastes and experiences shape our views on sports history. His decision to omit Lakers legends like Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson speaks to the divide between contemporary and historic greatness. While players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant undoubtedly define today’s NBA, there’s no denying that players from the past—such as Bryant and Johnson—helped build the foundation on which today’s game thrives.
While Obama’s lineup reflects his appreciation for modern basketball and all-time talent, the omission of Lakers greats, especially Kobe Bryant, feels like a missed opportunity to honor players whose legacies go beyond individual statistics. It raises an important question about how we measure greatness—by personal impact or by collective memory?
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