10 NBA stars and their educational degrees

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are in full swing, and the competition has already delivered high-intensity basketball. Teams like the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves have made strong starts in the conference semifinals, with dominant wins and standout individual performances shaping the narrative early. The Oklahoma City Thunder, after a league-best regular season, are among the favorites to win the championship, highlighting how competitive this postseason has become.

Across the league, young stars and established veterans are stepping up when it matters most. From record-setting defensive displays to explosive scoring nights, the playoffs continue to showcase the league’s depth and talent. While fans focus on on-court excellence, many NBA players also bring strong academic backgrounds into their professional careers. Here’s a look at 10 NBA stars and their educational journeys alongside their basketball achievements.

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LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

NBA's highest paid stars of 2025-26 season

LeBron James remains one of the most dominant players in NBA history, winning multiple championships and MVP awards while continuing to perform at a high level even in his later career. He has broken several records and remains central to the Lakers’ playoff ambitions.

LeBron did not attend college, entering the NBA directly from high school in 2003. Despite that, he has invested heavily in education through initiatives like opening the I PROMISE School. His work shows a strong commitment to academic development beyond his playing career.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan built a legacy as one of the greatest players ever, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and earning five MVP awards. His influence on the game and global sports culture remains unmatched.

Jordan attended the University of North Carolina, where he studied cultural geography. He played under Dean Smith and hit the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship. Though he left early for the NBA, he later returned to complete his degree.

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry changed the game with his three-point shooting and led the Warriors to multiple championships. He continues to be a key figure in the team’s success and remains one of the league’s top performers.

Curry attended Davidson College, where he majored in sociology. He left early for the NBA but completed his degree in 2022, showing his commitment to education even after becoming a global star.

4. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships and earning MVP honors in 2008. His work ethic and mindset became a standard for athletes worldwide.

Bryant entered the NBA directly from high school and did not pursue a college degree. However, he later built a strong intellectual profile through business ventures, storytelling, and winning an Academy Award, showing growth beyond basketball.

5. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns

7. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history and has won multiple championships and MVP awards. He continues to be a key player for the Suns and remains impactful in the playoffs.

Durant attended the University of Texas, where he studied business. He won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2007 before entering the NBA after one season.

6. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal dominated the NBA as one of the most powerful centers ever, winning four championships and earning MVP honors. He played for multiple teams and became a global icon.

Shaq attended Louisiana State University and later completed his bachelor’s degree in general studies. He went further, earning an MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2005 and a doctorate in education in 2012, showing a deep commitment to academics.

7. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo — $54,126,450

Giannis Antetokounmpo has grown into one of the league’s best players, winning MVP awards and leading the Bucks to an NBA championship. He continues to perform at an elite level.

Giannis did not attend college, entering the NBA from international basketball. However, his development on and off the court reflects strong discipline and learning beyond traditional academics.

8. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships and became one of the greatest point guards ever. His career defined the “Showtime” era.

He attended Michigan State University, where he studied communication. Johnson led the Spartans to the 1979 NCAA Championship before entering the NBA. He later built a successful business career, showing strong educational application.

9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer for many years and won six championships. His career spanned two decades with consistent excellence.

He attended UCLA, where he studied history and became one of the greatest college players ever under John Wooden. His academic background influenced his later work as a writer and public speaker.

10. Larry Bird

Larry Bird led the Boston Celtics to three championships and won three consecutive MVP awards. His rivalry with Magic Johnson helped shape the modern NBA.

Bird attended Indiana State University after starting at Indiana University. He led Indiana State to the 1979 NCAA Championship game and focused on physical education during his college years.

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Conclusion

These NBA stars show that success is not limited to performance on the court. Some earned degrees, others returned to complete their education, and many contributed to learning through business and community work. Their journeys highlight how discipline, knowledge, and growth beyond basketball continue to shape long-term success in and out of the game.