NBA players can quickly become some of the most popular athletes in the world. And like any other celebrity, that also means they may generate a huge social media following. As is the case in all aspects of life, though, some NBA players are more popular than others.

Here’s a brief look at the most popular NBA players on social media in 2023, using Instagram followers as of August 2023 to determine the top 10.

10. Chris Paul: 11.7 million followers

Even at this late stage of his career, Chris Paul is one of the most popular NBA players. The legendary point guard is on Twitter and Facebook under the same handle as on Instagram, which is @CP3. Paul largely keeps a clean image on social media, though Kanye West once notably claimed, per the New York Post, that he’d had an affair with Kim Kardashian. 

9. James Harden: 11.9 million followers

James Harden has a few hundred thousand more followers than Paul. And like CP3, he uses the same handle for all his social media sites. He’s on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok with the handle @jharden13. Much like Paul, he’s had no real social media scandals.

8. Kevin Durant: 13.3 million followers

Kevin Durant is infamous on social media, and his public handles are @easymoneysniper on Instagram, @KDTrey5 on Twitter, and his name on Facebook. Durant is known for engaging with fans on social media, including using burners to post anonymously.

7. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 15.6 million followers

Giannis Antetokounmpo may be a new-wave superstar, but he’s brushing shoulders with older players as one of the most popular NBA players. He uses the handle @Giannis_An34 for Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. His handle for Facebook, however, is just his name. He’s had no scandals, largely because he likes to maintain a positive image.

6. Klay Thompson: 16.3 million followers

Klay Thompson has been part of the Golden State Warriors’ dynastic efforts but is largely unremarkable on social media when he’s not posting about his ocean adventures and dog, Rocco. He has an Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook profile, and they all have the same handle: @KlayThompson. 

5. Lonzo Ball: 17.8 million followers

Lonzo Ball may not have played many NBA games recently and is at an uncertain stage of his career, but he’s still popular on social media. He’s @Zo on Instagram and @ZO2_ on Twitter and uses his name on Facebook.

4. Kyrie Irving: 19.5 million followers

Kyrie Irving is one of the most controversial players in the NBA, mostly relating to his beliefs and social media postings. Folks who want to follow him can do so on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok, all under the handle of @KyrieIrving. 

3. Russell Westbrook: 22.8 million followers

Russell Westbrook’s energetic playstyle and flashy fashion have made him a mainstay among the most popular NBA players, even as he leaves his MVP days in the rearview mirror. He’s generally done a good job of not causing a stir on social media. He can be found on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @RussWest44, and he’s on Facebook under his name.

2. Stephen Curry: 54 million followers

Stephen Curry changed the game of basketball with his three-point shooting, and that’s helped make him the second-most-popular NBA player of the modern era. He’s on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @StephCurry30, and he’s on Facebook under his name. He’s had no social media scandals, though he caught some flak for his position against affordable housing in his neighborhood. 

1. LeBron James: 158 million followers

Unsurprisingly, LeBron James is far and away the most popular NBA player. His career spans over 20 years, and he’s had no real controversies. The Decision was the most polarizing event of his career, but it didn’t tarnish his reputation much. He’s on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @KingJames, and his Facebook page is just his name.