Cover NBA superstars and their watches: Luka Dončić wearing his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked in black ceramic and Jayson Tatum wearing the Richard Mille RM 67-02 in green carbon TPT (Photos: Instagram/@lukadoncic, Instagram/@jaytatum0, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille)
NBA superstars and their watches: Luka Dončić wearing his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked in black ceramic and Jayson Tatum wearing the Richard Mille RM 67-02 in green carbon TPT (Photos: Instagram/@lukadoncic, Instagram/@jaytatum0, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille)
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Take a closer look at the luxury timepieces that grace the wrists of basketball's biggest names in the NBA today
Go big or go home—while a popular phrase to evoke the intense, all-to-play-for nature of the NBA, it certainly seems to describe the suave tastes of its superstars, too. From luxury cars to sprawling mansions, many of these world-famous athletes are known to live large while grinding relentlessly, exuding undeniable “aura” even once they’ve stepped off the court.
What may seem smaller in scale to their grander indulgences are the equally remarkable tickers on their wrists. Not to be overlooked, these timepieces reflect the bold styles and personalities of the players who wear them—and sometimes they also accompany moments of victory, forever preserved in the legacy of the sport. Take, for example, Jayson Tatum’s appropriately green Richard Mille RM 67-02 at the Boston Celtics championship parade last year.
See also: 8 NBA players and their equally successful side quests
Mere days away from the upcoming 2025 Playoffs, we take a look inside the watch collections of your favourite NBA stars, here:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Above Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (Photo: Instagram/@giannis_an34)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (Photo: Instagram/@giannis_an34)
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The “Greek Freak” pairs his dominance on the court with equally commanding timepieces. Interestingly, Antetokounmpo “used to sell watches” as a young boy, and now the Milwaukee Bucks forward has a noble collection of classics and is an ambassador for Breitling. Watch enthusiasts will likely be familiar with his notable collaboration with the brand.
The co-designed Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo timepieces are available in two variations—a 40mm steel Chronomat GMT and a 42mm gold Chronomat B01 chronograph—and feature personal touches like the “GA” initials on the central hand, the basketball emblem worked into the chronograph counter, and the green dial shade as an ode to his team.
Read more: Georges Kern on how Breitling continues to grow in the Southeast Asian luxury watch market
Stephen Curry
Above Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (Photo: Instagram/@stephencurry30)
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (Photo: Instagram/@stephencurry30)
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Versatility marks both the offensive prowess of Golden State Warriors’ superstar shooter and his watch selections. Among the noteworthy pieces he’s been seen wearing in the past include a skeletonised Cartier Santos in rose gold, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver, a Luminor Marina Goldtech, and a Rolex Day-Date President in Everose gold with a chocolate brown dial.
Luka Dončić
Above Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo: Instagram/@lakers)
Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo: Instagram/@lakers)
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This Slovenian phenomenon and recently inducted Laker may be known for his relaxed off-court style, but his taste in timepieces evidently veers slightly. He’s oft-spotted in variations of AP’s iconic Royal Oak, including an 18-carat yellow-gold Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked and the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked in black ceramic—two striking designs that reveal their intricate inner workings and leave a lasting impression.
LeBron James
Above LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo: Instagram/@kingjames)
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo: Instagram/@kingjames)
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The basketball great boasts a watch collection as legendary as his career. And it is only fitting that heavyweights like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, and Rolex have all adorned the wrist of “The King”. Among his standout pieces are the ultra-rare Cartier Crash Skeleton in 18-carat rose gola, one of only 67 ever made, as well as the Patek Philippe Tiffany Blue Nautilus 5711-1A-018, one of 170, which sold at auction for millions.
Nikola Jokić
Above Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets (Photo: Instagram/@nuggets)
Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets (Photo: Instagram/@nuggets)
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Denver Nuggets’ center may be known for his dominance on the court, but his watch collection showcases an appreciation for subtle elegance. One of his pieces that frequently makes an appearance is the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II “Batgirl”, known for its Jubilee bracelet and black-and-blue bezel. Reportedly, the “Joker” even gifted Rolex Cosmograph Daytonas to his Serbian national team teammates after their 2024 Olympic bronze medal win—a gesture that highlights his generosity and love for fine timepieces.
Jayson Tatum
Above Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics (Photo: Instagram/@celtics)
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics (Photo: Instagram/@celtics)
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The Boston Celtics’ franchise player has a penchant for striking, rare models. Spotted in pieces from Rolex, AP, Patek Philippe, and more, he is also known to have quite the growing Richard Mille collection and owns unconventional models like a playful pastel-toned RM 07-01 from the Coloured Ceramics collection. The variety of watch brands in his arsenal highlight his appreciation for exclusivity and craftsmanship.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Above Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo: Instagram/@okc)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo: Instagram/@okc)
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While SGA is celebrated for his smooth, substance-over-flash playing style, off the court it’s his adventurous fashion sense that steals the spotlight. And though his love for luxury streetwear and bold accessories is undeniable, the world has yet to uncover the depths of his watch collection. In the past, however, he’s sported a two-tone AP Royal Oak and a yellow-gold Rolex Day-Date—both timeless classics. As this Canadian continues to establish himself as an All-Star-calibre player, the horology world will definitely be watching.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
