The Longest Playoff Losing Streak Of LeBron, Jordan, Bryant And Other Biggest NBA Stars

7 Consecutive Losses: (1985 First Round - Bucks Game 4; 1986 First Round - Celtics Game 1, Game 2, Game 3; 1987 First Round - Celtics Game 1, Game 2, Game 3)

Michael Jordan, known for his unparalleled success in the NBA, didn't have an easy start in the playoffs. His debut in 1985 ended in a quick exit when the Chicago Bulls lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference First Round. Despite Jordan's impressive average of 29.3 points, the Bulls only managed one win in four games.

The following two years continued this trend of early exits, with the Bulls facing successive sweeps by the Boston Celtics in 1986 and 1987. Each of these series underscored Jordan's need for a stronger supporting cast to advance deeper into the playoffs. It wasn't until 1988, in a match against the Cleveland Cavaliers, that Jordan and the Bulls broke through this initial barrier, securing their first playoff series victory under his leadership. This win marked the end of Jordan’s early playoff struggles and the start of a more promising phase in his illustrious career.

Shaquille O’Neal - 7 Consecutive Losses

7 Consecutive Losses: (2007 First Round - Cavs Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4; 2008 First Round - Spurs Game 1, Game 2, Game 3)

Shaquille O'Neal , a dominant force in the NBA, faced a tough period in the playoffs during the late 2000s. His seven-game playoff losing streak started in the 2007 first round with the Miami Heat, where they were ousted by the Cleveland Cavaliers. During this series, Shaq averaged 18.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks over four games.

The following year, after moving to the Phoenix Suns, O'Neal's struggles continued as they lost in the first round to the San Antonio Spurs. In the 2008 playoffs, Shaq posted averages of 15.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks across five games. This period was marked by significant transitions for O'Neal, moving between teams and adjusting to different playoff dynamics.

Kevin Durant -  7 Consecutive Losses

7 Consecutive Losses: (2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals - Bucks Game 6, Game 7; 2022 First Round - Celtics Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4; 2023 First Round - Clippers Game 1)

Kevin Durant endured a challenging period with seven consecutive losses in the playoffs. This streak began in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals when his Brooklyn Nets fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in a hard-fought seven-game series. The following year, in 2022, Durant and the Nets suffered a stunning first-round exit at the hands of the Boston Celtics, failing to secure a single victory in the series.

In 2023, Durant's misfortunes continued as his new team, the Phoenix Suns, faced defeat in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets. Despite Durant's best efforts, the Suns succumbed to the Nuggets in six games, not after beating the Clippers in the First Round, where they dropped the first game.

LeBron James - 7 Consecutive Losses

7 Consecutive Losses: (2023 Western Conference Finals - Nuggets Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4; 2024 First Round - Nuggets Game 1, Game 2, Game 3)

LeBron James has recently faced one of the tougher playoff sequences in his illustrious NBA career, marked by seven consecutive playoff losses. This streak began in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, where the Lakers faced a strong Denver Nuggets team and were swept 4-0. The struggle continued into the 2024 playoffs, where the Lakers lost the first three games of the first round so far.

During this stretch, LeBron has maintained high-performance levels, averaging 26.3 points, 9.7 assists, and 6.7 rebounds. Despite his efforts, the team's overall performance has not been enough to secure victories, highlighting a stretch of challenge and reflection for both LeBron and the Lakers as they look to regroup and advance further in future playoff contests.

Moses Malone - 6 Consecutive Losses

6 Consecutive Losses: (1985 Eastern Conference Finals - Celtics Game 5; 1987 First Round - Pistons Game 1, Game 2, Game 3; 1988 First Round - Pistons Game 1, Game 2)

Moses Malone found himself in the midst of a daunting playoff stretch from 1985 to 1988, enduring six consecutive losses. It all began in the heat of the 1985 Eastern Conference Finals when his Philadelphia 76ers clashed with the Boston Celtics in a fiercely contested series that ultimately ended in disappointment for Malone and his team in Game 5.

Despite changing teams in 1987, Malone's playoff struggles continued into 1988, as the Washington Wizards again faced defeat in the Eastern Conference First Round against the Detroit Pistons, this time in a closely contested series that also extended to Game 5.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 5 Consecutive Losses

5 Consecutive Losses: (1977 Western Conference Finals - Trail Blazers Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4; 1978 First Round - SuperSonics Game 1)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the most dominant figures in NBA history, also encountered playoff hardships. His streak of five consecutive playoff losses began in the 1977 Western Conference Finals, where he led with remarkable averages of 30.3 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, but the Portland Trail Blazers swept his Los Angeles Lakers. 

The following year, in the 1978 Western Conference First Round against the Seattle SuperSonics, despite Abdul-Jabbar's impressive stats of 27.0 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game, the Lakers were again unable to secure a win in the opening game.

Magic Johnson - 5 Consecutive Losses

5 Consecutive Losses: (1991 NBA Finals - Bulls Game 2, Game 3, Game 4, Game 5; 1996 First Round - Rockets Game 1)

Magic Johnson's playoff career faced a challenging period marked by a streak of five consecutive losses. This streak began in the 1991 NBA Finals where the Los Angeles Lakers, despite a strong performance from Johnson, lost to the Chicago Bulls 4-1. In these finals, Johnson was a key player, averaging 18.6 points, 12.4 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game. 

Despite these efforts, the Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, outplayed the Lakers, marking a pivotal moment in NBA history as a passing of the torch between two eras. Johnson briefly retired following the 1991 season, largely due to his HIV diagnosis, but made a comeback in 1996. His return game in the playoffs that year saw the Lakers face the Houston Rockets in the first round. The Rockets defeated the Lakers in Game 1, extending Johnson’s losing streak.

Kobe Bryant - 5 Consecutive Losses

5 Consecutive Losses: (2006 First Round - Suns Game 6, Game 7; 2007 First Round - Suns Game 1, Game 2, Game 3)

Kobe Bryant also faced setbacks in the playoffs. His streak of five consecutive losses spanned from the 2006 to the 2007 NBA First Round, both times against the Phoenix Suns. In 2006, despite Kobe's strong performance averaging 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over seven games, the Lakers fell 4-3 to the Suns. The following year, Kobe's efforts intensified as he averaged 32.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, but the Lakers were again overpowered, losing the series 4-1.

Larry Bird - 5 Consecutive Losses

5 Consecutive Losses: (1991 Eastern Conference Semifinals - Pistons Game 4, Game 5, Game 6; 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals - Cavaliers Game 1, Game 2)

Larry Bird, one of the NBA's fiercest competitors, encountered a challenging phase during the early 1990s. His Boston Celtics faced consecutive playoff defeats, beginning with a loss to the Detroit Pistons in the 1991 Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they fell 4 games to 2. The following year, Bird and the Celtics were ousted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a closely contested series that ended 4-3. During these playoff runs between the 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons, Bird averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists across 14 games.

Tim Duncan - 5 Consecutive Losses

5 Consecutive Losses: (2010 Western Conference Semifinals - Suns Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4; 2011 First Round - Grizzlies Game 1)

Tim Duncan, a cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs' success, encountered a challenging period in the playoffs spanning from 2010 to 2011. The Spurs endured five consecutive losses, beginning with a sweep in the 2010 Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns. Despite Duncan's efforts, the Spurs fell short against the Suns, marking a disappointing end to their playoff run that year. Duncan's stats during this series included averaging 19.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. The following season, in 2011, the Spurs faced further playoff woes, losing in the first round to the Memphis Grizzlies in a six-game series.

Wilt Chamberlain - 5 Consecutive Losses

5 Consecutive Losses: (1968 Eastern Conference Finals - Celtics Game 5, Game 6, Game 7; 1969 Western Conference Semifinals - Warriors Game 1, Game 2)

Wilt Chamberlain faced a challenging period in the playoffs spanning from 1968 to 1969. His streak of five consecutive losses began in the 1968 Eastern Conference Finals when his Philadelphia 76ers fell to the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought series that went to Game 7. Despite Chamberlain's dominance, the 76ers couldn't overcome the Celtics' formidable defense. The following year, Chamberlain faced yet another setback in the Western Conference Semifinals, where the San Francisco Warriors defeated the Lakers.

Dwyane Wade - 5 Consecutive Losses

5 Consecutive Losses: (2007 First Round - Bulls Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4; 2009 First Round - Hawks Game 1)

Dwyane Wade navigated through a demanding period from 2007 to 2009 marked by five consecutive playoff losses. The journey commenced in the 2007 First Round showdown when his Miami Heat clashed against the Chicago Bulls in a tough series that extended to Game 4. Despite Wade's contributions, the Heat fell short of victory. However, the playoff woes persisted into 2009 as the Heat once again encountered defeat in the First Round, this time against the Atlanta Hawks in a tightly contested series, but ended that bad streak after Game 1.

Kevin Garnett - 5 Consecutive Losses

5 Consecutive Losses: (2012 Eastern Conference Finals - Heat Game 5, Game 6; 2013 First Round - Knicks Game 1, Game 2, Game 3)

In the playoffs from 2012 to 2013, Kevin Garnett, renowned for his defensive prowess and leadership, found himself amidst a challenging period marked by five consecutive losses. It all commenced in the intense battleground of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, where his Boston Celtics clashed fiercely against the Miami Heat in a grueling series that extended to Game 6. 

Despite Garnett's valiant efforts on the court, which included averaging 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, the Celtics fell short of securing victory. The following postseason, in 2013, brought further adversity as Garnett and the Celtics encountered another setback, this time against the New York Knicks. The streak persisted into the First Round of the playoffs, where the Celtics faced defeat against the New York Knicks in a tightly contested series and finally won after Game 3.

Hakeem Olajuwon - 4 Consecutive Losses

4 Consecutive Losses: (1996 Western Conference Semifinals - SuperSonics Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4)

Hakeem Olajuwon, known for his skilled post play, faced a tough stretch in the 1996 playoffs. The Houston Rockets suffered four consecutive losses in the 1996 Western Conference Semifinals against the Seattle SuperSonics, resulting in an early postseason exit. Despite Olajuwon's strong performance throughout the 1996 playoffs, averaging 22.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over eight games, the Rockets couldn't overcome the determined SuperSonics. The series saw Olajuwon battling against a formidable opponent in the SuperSonics' defense, but ultimately falling short in their quest for playoff success.

Jerry West - 4 Consecutive Losses

4 Consecutive Losses: (1968 NBA Finals - Celtics Game 5, Game 6; 1969 Western Conference Semifinals - Warriors Game 1, Game 2)

Jerry West faced a challenging period in the late 1960s with four consecutive losses in the playoffs. This stretch began in the 1968 NBA Finals, where his Los Angeles Lakers fell short against the Boston Celtics in a closely contested series that extended to Game 6. Despite West's outstanding efforts on the court, the Lakers couldn't secure the win. Throughout these playoff series, West showcased his remarkable skills, averaging 29.2 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds over the course of the four games. Despite his stellar individual performance, the Lakers faced consecutive losses in the playoffs, unable to overcome the Celtics and later the San Francisco Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Karl Malone - 4 Consecutive Losses

4 Consecutive Losses: (2002 First Round - Kings Game 3, Game 4; 2003 First Round - Lakers Game 1, Game 2)

Karl Malone found himself in a tough spot from 2002 to 2003, enduring four consecutive losses in the playoffs. It all started in the 2002 First Round when his Utah Jazz faced off against the Sacramento Kings in a thrilling series that extended to Game 5. Despite Malone's relentless efforts, the Jazz couldn't seal the deal. 

During these playoff showdowns, Malone showcased his unparalleled skills, averaging 22.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over the course of the four games. However, despite his remarkable individual performance, the Jazz suffered consecutive defeats in the postseason, unable to overcome the Kings and later the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2003 First Round.

Julius Erving - 4 Consecutive Losses

4 Consecutive Losses: (1977 NBA Finals - Trail Blazers Game 3, Game 4, Game 5, Game 6)

Julius Erving, also known as Dr. J, encountered a tough stretch in the 1977 NBA Finals, where his Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers. Unfortunately, the 76ers endured four consecutive losses from Game 3 to Game 6 of the series. Despite Erving's incredible efforts on the court, which included averaging 30.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game during this challenging stretch, the 76ers couldn't overcome the resilient play of the Trail Blazers. The series concluded with successive losses, ultimately resulting in a disappointing defeat for the 76ers in the NBA Finals.

Bill Russell - 3 Consecutive Losses

3 Consecutive Losses: (1967 Eastern Conference Finals - 76ers Game 1, Game 2, Game 3)

Bill Russell, renowned for his defensive prowess and leadership, experienced a rare playoff disappointment in 1967. During the Eastern Conference Finals against the formidable Philadelphia 76ers, Russell's Boston Celtics were defeated 4-1. Throughout the five-game series, Russell averaged impressive figures of 23.4 rebounds, 11.4 points, and 6.0 assists per game. Despite his individual efforts, the Celtics were unable to overcome the 76ers, marking one of the few times Russell faced such adversity in his storied NBA career.

Stephen Curry - 3 Consecutive Losses

3 Consecutive Losses: (2016 NBA Finals - Cavaliers Game 5, Game 6, Game 7)

Stephen Curry encountered a tough stretch during the 2016 NBA Finals. The Golden State Warriors, led by Curry, faced three consecutive losses from Game 5 to Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, ultimately losing the series. During the 2016 NBA Finals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Curry faced intense defensive pressure and struggled to find his rhythm at times. Despite this, he put up respectable numbers, averaging 22.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game throughout the series. However, it wasn't enough to secure victory for the Warriors as they fell short in a closely contested series that went down to the wire.

Oscar Robertson - 3 Consecutive Losses

3 Consecutive Losses: (1967 Eastern Conference Semifinals - 76ers Game 1, Game 2, Game 3)

Oscar Robertson encountered a demanding phase during the 1967 playoffs with three consecutive losses. This streak commenced in the Eastern Conference Semifinals when his Cincinnati Royals suffered defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers in a tightly contested series that extended to Game 4. Throughout the 1967 playoffs, Robertson showcased his exceptional skills, averaging 24.8 points, 11.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds over four games. Despite his impressive individual performance, the Royals couldn't overcome the determined 76ers, resulting in an early exit from the postseason.