The 10 Greatest NBA Teams of All Time – Ranked

July 24, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Which NBA team stands above the rest? Over the decades, basketball fans have witnessed dynasties rise, legendary players dominate, and unforgettable seasons unfold. But when it comes to ranking the very best teams in NBA history, the debate gets intense.

Using a combination of team success, talent, chemistry, and historical impact, we've narrowed it down to the top 10 greatest squads ever assembled. From the Showtime Lakers to the unbeatable Bulls – here’s who made the cut, starting with number 10.

10. San Antonio Spurs (2013–14)

Led by head coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs played some of the most beautiful and unselfish basketball the league has ever seen. They went 62-20 in the regular season and defeated the Miami Heat 4-1 in the Finals. A young Kawhi Leonard was named Finals MVP, supported by veterans Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili.

9. Boston Celtics (2007–08)

The Celtics finished the regular season with a dominant 66-16 record after forming their “Big Three” of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Though their playoff run was a grind, they defeated the Lakers 4-2 in the Finals. Their elite defense and chemistry helped spark a new era of NBA superteams.

8. Los Angeles Lakers (1971–72)

With a then-record 69 regular-season wins and a 33-game winning streak, this Lakers team was unstoppable. Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich led the charge en route to a 4-1 Finals victory. It was the franchise's first championship since relocating to Los Angeles.

7. Miami Heat (2012–13)

Powered by LeBron James in his peak form, the Heat went 66-16 and boasted a 27-game win streak—the second longest in history. Alongside Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Ray Allen, they defeated the Spurs in a thrilling seven-game Finals series. LeBron won both regular season and Finals MVP.

6. Chicago Bulls (1991–92)

Chicago Bulls (1991–92), Michael Jordan — Photo: Nba.com

Michael Jordan was at his absolute best, averaging 30 points per game and leading the Bulls to a 67-15 season. They beat the Portland Trail Blazers 4-2 in the Finals for their second straight title. Though not their most complete team, this squad was arguably their most offensively dominant.

5. Los Angeles Lakers (1986–87)

This "Showtime" Lakers team exemplified fast-paced, entertaining basketball under Magic Johnson’s leadership. They went 65-17 and defeated the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the Finals. With Magic, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and Byron Scott, they represented the peak of 1980s basketball.

4. Los Angeles Lakers (2000–01)

Los Angeles Lakers (2000–01), Kobe Bryant, Shaq — Photo: Nba.com

Despite a modest 56-26 regular season, the Lakers went on a nearly perfect playoff run, finishing 15-1. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were unstoppable, sweeping through the West and losing only one overtime game in the Finals. Their dominance in the postseason was historic.

3. Boston Celtics (1985–86)

This Celtics team went 67-15 and posted an unreal 40-1 record at home. Larry Bird had his best season, earning both MVP and Finals MVP honors. With Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, the Celtics won the title and are remembered as one of the most unbeatable home teams ever.

2. Golden State Warriors (2016–17)

After adding Kevin Durant, the Warriors became nearly invincible. They went 67-15 and had the best postseason record ever at 16-1. With Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Durant, they revolutionized basketball with pace, space, and lethal three-point shooting.

1. Chicago Bulls (1995–96)

The greatest team in NBA history, the Bulls finished 72-10 and dominated the league on both ends. The trio of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, under coach Phil Jackson, was unmatched. They beat the Sonics 4-2 in the Finals and lost only two home games all season—both by just one point.