NBA Stars Who’ve Caught the Acting Bug

No matter how talented an athlete is, a basketball career inevitably comes to an end, with most players hanging up their sneakers in their 30s. Fortunately, for many NBA stars, retirement is just the beginning. Today, there are countless ways for them to reinvent themselves, thanks to their charisma, star power, and built-in audiences.

It might surprise you to know that some of the biggest names on the hardwood found their way into the Hollywood spotlight, and not just through commercials or cameo appearances. From slam-dunking centerpieces to slick talk show guests, NBA stars have laced up big-screen roles and even lent their likeness to online casino games, complete with free spins no deposit bonuses you can find at NoDepositKings popping up alongside their branded slots.

When you see a familiar face from a locker room behind a movie curtain or glaring from a game-board screen, it’s no coincidence. The crossover between court and camera isn’t just a sideline hustle – it’s a strategy. These athletes know how to captivate an audience on a court, and now they’re applying that same star power to scripts, cameos and digital avatars that appear in the most unlikely places.

Join us as we break down the top 10 NBA stars who not only score on the court but also shine in front of the camera.

1. John Salley

John Salley made his big-screen debut while still an active NBA player, catching the eye of filmmakers during his dominant stint with the Miami Heat. He landed his breakout role as Fletcher, the quirky, sharp-minded hacker, in Bad Boys , delivering a performance memorable enough to bring him back for Bad Boys II in 2003.

From there, Salley built a diverse film résumé, appearing in Eddie, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Black Dynamite, Nappily Ever After, and the series Diarra From Detroit. These days, he has traded scripts for broadcasting, serving as the host of The Best Darn Sports Show exclusively on OAN.

2. Rick Fox

Rick Fox is perhaps best known for his contributions to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he flourished as a key member of their early-2000s dynasty. Fox helped the team secure three consecutive championships alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, all while laying the groundwork for his future on-screen career.

His first film appearance came in Blue Chips in 1994, followed by a memorable recurring role as Jackson Vahue on HBO’s Oz. After retiring from basketball in 2004, Fox fully transitioned into acting, landing roles in One Tree Hill, Shameless, Ugly Betty, Meet the Browns, and the acclaimed series Greenleaf. Today, Fox has shifted focus to entrepreneurship, serving as the founder and CEO of Partanna, a green concrete company.

3. Ray Allen

As one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history, Ray Allen also made a lasting impression when he boldly stepped into the world of acting. His debut came as the lead in Spike Lee’s acclaimed drama He Got Game in 1998, playing Jesus Shuttlesworth, a high school basketball phenom under immense pressure. Allen held his own opposite Denzel Washington, delivering a performance that impressed both fans and critics, and cemented the film as a cultural touchstone.

Allen didn’t stop there. He added Harvard Man (2002) to his film résumé, showcasing his willingness to explore roles beyond basketball. While he never pursued acting full-time, the performances he did deliver left a lasting mark.

4. LeBron James

It’s no secret that LeBron James is a powerhouse on the court. With his 2026 retirement on the horizon, the four-time NBA champion has been steadily eyeing a career in Hollywood. He made his acting debut in 2004 on My Wife and Kids and went on to appear in shows like The Simpsons, Entourage, Teen Titans Go!, and his own animated series, The LeBrons.

His breakout role came in 2015’s Trainwreck, where he played a version of himself, showcasing his natural comedic talent. James then starred in and produced 2021’s Space Jam: A New and appeared in House Party.

Beyond acting, he has expanded his influence as a producer through SpringHill Company, developing projects in film, TV, and documentary, laying the foundation for a Hollywood future with his name in lights.

5. Kevin Durant

NBA superstar Kevin Durant dipped his toes into acting, though he’ll be the first to admit it didn’t match the success of some of his peers. He made his big-screen debut in the 2012 basketball comedy Thunderstruck, playing himself in a story about a teenager who magically swaps talents with the NBA star.

Durant has called the movie “so corny it’s good,” but he also admits he wouldn’t repeat the experience. If he were to return to acting, he envisions taking on more daring and complex roles, perhaps as a kingpin or a charismatic “player”, demonstrating his interest in exploring characters far removed from his real-life persona.

6. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan famously explored life off the court while dominating the game for the Chicago Bulls. He arguably set the stage for other NBA stars with his iconic role in 1996’s Space Jam, where he starred alongside Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes gang in a groundbreaking live-action/animated family film.

Beyond Space Jam, Jordan made several other on-screen appearances. He starred in Michael Jordan: An American Hero, a 1999 TV biopic chronicling his rise to basketball greatness, and appeared as himself on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, bringing his charisma and larger-than-life persona to television audiences. He also had cameos on Saturday Night Live and participated in numerous commercials and promotional campaigns, proving that his star power extended far beyond the basketball court.

7. Dwight Howard

Eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard made his big-screen debut in the 2010 basketball romantic comedy Just Wright, starring alongside Queen Latifah and Common, and later appeared in The Equalizer 2. On television, the recently inducted Hall of Famer has showcased his versatility with guest roles on popular series like Black-ish, Never Have I Ever, and The Odd Couple.

Howard has also embraced reality TV, competing on Dancing With The Stars (Season 32), performing as the Purple Octopus on The Masked Singer, and finishing third on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Howard has also successfully carved out a carrer podcasting hosting the acclaimed show Above The Rim with D12, where he explores sports, culture, and lifestyle topics, and is developing a documentary with Hearst chronicling his basketball career.