Perhaps more than any other sport, NBA players tend to become celebrities faster than their football or baseball counterparts. They're always visible, without helmets or hats clouding fans' view of them on the court.
Athletes nowadays always think about their brand, and social media plays a huge part in crafting that perception. 
We will look at the top three most-followed NBA players on Instagram and why people gravitate towards them on social media. 

LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers star has the most followers of any current NBA player on Instagram, and it's not even close. It makes sense, considering how long James has been in our lives. Sports fans knew who he was dating back to his high school days in Ohio in the early 2000s.
James has had one of the best careers in NBA history, if not in all sports. He's the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, and it'll be difficult for anyone to break his record moving forward. In addition to his multiple titles and MVPs, that distinction will give him a special place in NBA lore, arguably forever.
He's also never gotten into trouble off the court despite being in the public eye for decades. James has a sterling reputation on and off the floor, and his "Taco Tuesday" exploits with his family have also drawn fans to his content.

Stephen Curry
Curry has secured his place as the most excellent shooter in NBA history by a wide margin. He can pull up off the dribble or launch a catch and shoot a three-pointer from 40 feet away, and fans will believe that the ball is going through the net. 
Fans are in awe of his remarkable shot-making ability, and they can't get enough of the trick shots he routinely makes with ease. He's not the most physically imposing player in the NBA, but that might make him more relatable to fans worldwide.
The Golden State Warriors legend is also active in the community, as many of his posts center around donations he's made or time he's spent to help people away from the basketball court. 

Russell Westbrook
Standard NBA betting lines don't exist for players' fashion choices entering the arena, but it would be fun to guess what type of clothing Westbrook will don before the game. His attire has become must-see content throughout his career, as he's shown he's not afraid to go with an outfit that many would find outlandish.
Westbrook's clothing choices aren't just designed to get people's attention. He wants to inspire others to be themselves and wear whatever makes them comfortable. That's a message basketball fans and non-basketball fans alike can get behind.
On the floor, the dynamic guard is known for his unrelenting energy. Watching Westbrook during the season's first game or in a critical playoff game won't make a difference; he brings it every night.