I've created TWO different lists for my Top 5 in the NBA. LeBron, while he is the goat of his era, did NOT make my cuts. I will say, however, that he was in deep consideration and i fully understand anyone having him in the top 2. There's plenty of ways you could've gone here, but I will preface my list by saying this about cross-era comparison:
Players from today, play the way they play because of the evolution of the game. Someone like Stephen Curry would not dribble the way he does or shoot the style in which he does in 1965. Conversely, Bob Cousy wouldn't be as simple of a player in today's era. He would have a similar skill-set to those playing today. This criteria did not play much of a factor in my list, however, it should ALWAYS be considered in responses to my list or in any cross-era comparison in any sport. Let's dive into the lists:
The two lists are: