As the biggest basketball league in the world, the NBA rewards multiple individuals for their performances each season. However, the Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary success both on and off the court. Only four players have won this award as of May 2025, and were inducted into the Hall of Fame before receiving it.
All-time great Bill Russell was the first recipient of the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award. Russell was an 11-time NBA champion, a five-time league MVP and a 12-time All-Star. He spent his entire 13-year career with the Boston Celtics, where he averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. After Russell died in 2022, the NBA retired the #6 jersey league-wide. He is the only player to achieve this honor.
Also Read: List of NBA Sportsmanship Award Winners
List of NBA Lifetime Achievement Award winners
Below is the list of NBA Lifetime Achievement Award winners as of May 2025:
| Season | Player | Position | Nationality | Team |
| 2016–17 | Bill Russell | Center | United States | Boston Celtics |
| 2017–18 | Oscar Robertson | Guard | United States | Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2018–19 | Larry Bird | Forward | United States | Boston Celtics |
| Magic Johnson | Guard | United States | Los Angeles Lakers |
FAQs on NBA Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
A. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has the most NBA MVPs with a total of 6 MVPs.
A. Bill Russell has the most NBA rings with 11. He accomplished this in his 13-year NBA career.
A. Larry Bird won three NBA titles in his career. He was named Finals MVP on two occasions.
A. Vince Carter played in the NBA for 22 seasons, which is the most in NBA history.
