Michael Jordan, LeBron James & Other NBA Players Who Tried Their Hands at Comedy By Hosting Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live hosts are almost always actors. But sometimes they bring on, musicians, even politicians at times, and of course, athletes. 

And NBA players are no strangers to SNL, who come to try their hands on comedy. 

Here are just a few of them who have had the opportunity to host SNL.



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November 3, 1979: Bill Russell

Season 5 was hosted by many legends, one of them being Boston Celtics' Bill Russell. By this time, he was long retired. Well, he did start playing back in the 50s.  However, he was the first basketball player to host SNL. Unfortunately, the clips from that episode are hardly available anywhere. 

Credit: Youtube/NBATop10

September 28, 1991: Michael Jordan

When Michael Jordan went on SNL, he had just won his first NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls. But this was years before he starred in Space Jam, which made it although more clear that acting is definitely not the GOAT's forte. 

Credit: YouTube/Saturday Night Live

Sep. 25, 1993, Jan. 9, 2010, Jan. 7, 2012, March 3, 2018: Charles Barkley

Barkley is the only NBA player to host the SNL multiple times and in fact, the one out of two athletes in total to do it so many times. Barkley is no stranger to TV as people love him on TNT, and he clearly had a blast everytime he hosted SNL. 

Credit: YouTube/Saturday Night Live

September 29, 2007: LeBron James

LeBron James has made multiple appearances on TV shows and movies, building a fantastic media empire and establishing global stardom. His acting in 'Trainwreck' stole the show for many fans, but he first tested the comedy waters when he hosted SNL and was great even then.

Credit: YouTube/Saturday Night Live

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