Top 6 NBA players who have written a book of their own

For fans, it's easy to be in awe of what NBA players can do on the basketball court. What's even more impressive is when players take a moment to educate us about their lives.

Numerous star players have gone on to publish books that allow us to connect with them on a deeper level. Most of these publishings give us an in-depth look at what experiences the individuals went through over the course of their illustrious careers. Others give the players a platform to talk about some of the challenges they may have encountered before making it to the NBA.

NBA stars who are also book authors

These stars below produced a number of books that invite all of us to see the world through their eyes. Let's take a look at them now.

---

#6 Carmelo Anthony

Portland Trail Blazers v Phoenix Suns

Since entering the NBA in 2003, Carmelo Anthony has enjoyed a successful career with a number of franchises. He has become one of the most prolific scoring threats in the league and looks destined to become a Hall of Famer one day.

Over the course of his career, Anthony has published a number of books. Carmelo Anthony: It's Just the Beginning and Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised are both books that take a deep look at Melo's early life growing up in the streets of Baltimore. Both books go into detail about Melo's upbringing and experience of winning an NCAA Championship.

#5 Bill Russell

The 2019 ESPYs - Inside

When it came to winning, no player in NBA history won more championships than Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell. Over the course of his career, Russell went on to win 11 NBA Championships as a player. Russell also went on to publish Red and Me: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend, which has become one of the most famous books about the sport of basketball.

The book goes into detail about Russell's career with the Boston Celtics, paying homage to his mentor and coach Red Auerbach. The story talks about everything that Russell experienced while playing for one of the greatest basketball dynasties in NBA history.

#4 and #3 Magic Johnson and Larry Bird

2019 NBA Awards Presented By Kia On TNT - Inside

Throughout the course of NBA history, you could argue that no two players have made as much of an impact on one another as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. For a league that was struggling at the time to generate buzz, Bird and Johnson took the league by storm with their legendary rivalry during their careers with the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.

Bird and Magic were responsible for cementing one of the greatest rivalries in sports. With the help of legendary author Jackie MacMullan, the two published the book When the Game Was Ours. It goes into detail about the psychological battle that went on between two fierce competitors that eventually lead to a lifelong friendship.

#2 Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers v New Orleans Hornets - Game Three

One of the most competitive players to play the game of basketball, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant will also be known for his mentality on the court.

Bryant went on to publish The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, which takes a look at Kobe's personal perspective of his life on and off the court over the course of his career. The book goes into detail about his mindset when it comes to playing the sport he loved so much.

#1 LeBron James

Indiana Pacers v Los Angeles Lakers

Over the course of his NBA career, LeBron James has published several books taking a look at his life coming up as a basketball player. The book Shooting Stars was one of his most successful titles. It tells the story of LeBron coming up as one of the most hyped high school prospects during his early life in Akron, Ohio.

Recently, LeBron published one of his most successful books that went on to become a New York Times bestseller. The book is called I Promise and is a picture book that encourages children to remain persistent and respectful throughout their lives. It has been announced that YouTube will release a documentary inspired from the book.