From Kobe to LeBron: Why NBA stars keep coming back to the Philippines

In the Philippines, basketball is more than just a sport—it is a national obsession. From improvised hoops nailed to coconut trees in the provinces to late-night pickup games in barangay courts, the game beats in the heart of everyday life.

 As Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra once said, “There’s such great passion for the sport… anywhere you look you can see groups of kids playing on a makeshift basket.” That passion has made Manila one of the most cherished destinations for NBA players, who travel halfway around the world not only to promote basketball but also to experience the unique warmth of Filipino fans.

Over the past two decades, the city has been the stage for some unforgettable moments that have etched themselves into basketball history. In 2011, Kobe Bryant led a superstar lineup that included Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, James Harden, and more in a two-game “Ultimate All-Star Weekend” against the PBA All-Stars and Smart Gilas at the Araneta Coliseum.

The games were sold out, the energy unmatched, and the memory unforgettable for the thousands in attendance. The following year brought another spectacle when NBA legends Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jason Williams, and Mitch Richmond faced off against PBA greats in a clash that blended competition with nostalgia. Jason Williams’ dazzling no-look passes earned roars from the crowd, proving that showmanship never fades with time.

Even charity events became legendary. In 2014, “The Last Home Stand” brought DeMar DeRozen, Damian Lillard, and James Harden to Manila for skills showcases and clinics with Gilas Pilipinas. The purpose was as important as the play—raising funds and inspiring young players to dream bigger.

Kobe in Manila posing with a Jeepney in 1998 🇵🇭🐍#ThrowbackThursday

📸 LIFESTYLE pic.twitter.com/Hl6q8CDHAn

— FIBA Basketball (@FIBA) July 27, 2023

Some visits, however, went beyond mere games. Kobe Bryant’s repeated trips deepened his bond with Filipino fans, his clinics and public court appearances leaving a legacy that stretched far beyond his playing years. LeBron James, during his “Rise” Tour in 2015, stopped at the famed Tenement Court in Taguig, where a massive mural now honors his visit.

 Stephen Curry, on his Under Armour tour, thrilled crowds with his shooting displays and even surprised fans with a rare dunk. Fil-Am NBA guard Jordan Clarkson’s visits carried special meaning, offering a homecoming that blended pride with inspiration. Other stars like Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Trey Burke, and Horace Grant also left their mark, connecting with fans on and off the court.

In August 2025, the next generation of NBA talent made its presence felt when Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant brought his “Make Them Watch” Asia tour to Manila. He fully embraced the local culture, famously riding a jeepney on his way to The Courtyard in Bonifacio Global City. Once there, Morant dazzled fans with his signature high-flying dunks, playful “Griddy” dance, and a friendly exhibition game alongside Filipino standouts Jack Animam and Rhenz Abando. “Everybody has been very welcoming and loving to me and my fam… I’m super excited to be here,” he told the crowd, cementing himself as an instant fan favorite.

The connection between NBA stars and Manila endures because it is built on more than promotion or sponsorships. The electric energy of Filipino crowds rivals that of the most passionate NBA arenas.

 For Fil-Am players, stepping onto a Philippine court feels like coming home. For others, the trip offers a rare chance to immerse themselves in a basketball culture unlike any other. Beyond the games and the headlines, their clinics, charity drives, and grassroots programs leave a lasting impact on the communities they visit.

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