Hot Tracks

The music played in arenas during basketball games can range from the Ramones to Queen, "Hava Nagila” to the theme from Green Acres. But the tunes the actual athletes listen to on their Beats headphones in the locker room are radically different and diverse. The Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul likes Jay Z. The Washington Wizards John Wall favors rappers Lil Durk, Future, Meek Mill, and Rich Homie Quan. Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant is a fan of Jay Z, the Notorious B.I.G., and Nas. The Houston Rockets’ Chandler Parsons listens to Drake. The Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem likes Wale (who performed at Haslem’s wedding last year). The New York Knicks’ Tyson Chandler loves Kendrick Lamar. The Rockets’ Dwight Howard has said he prefers Bcyoncc to Britney and Bob Marley to Mick Jagger. And Mo Williams, of the Portland Trail Blazers, wants to hear Phil Collins's "In the Air” prior to a game. In advance of the N.B.A. All-Star Game on February 16, hoops superstars tell LISA ROBINSON some of the sounds in their heads and how music helps their game.

KEVIN DURANT Oklahoma City Thunder

"I play different stuff; a lot of R&B, some old-school hip-hop and new-school hip-hop—it depends on the game and the environment. I have a recording studio, and I'm really interested in how music is made. [Eventually], when I'm done playing, I can see getting involved with developing artists and helping them elevate themselves to a higher level."

JOAKIM NDAH Chicago Bulls

"Bob Marley is my all-time favorite. I love his entire catalogue and especially the earlier stuff, a lot of the rarer stuff. After that, I'd say Barrington Levy, Prince, Sizzle, Gregory Isaacs, Erykah Badu, Mobb Deep, G Unit, and 50 Cent. And Snoop's Doggystyle and Nas's lllmatic are among my all-time favorite albums."

LEBRON JAMES Miami Heat

"In general, I listen to Jay Z, Drake, Kanye West, the Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, and Pharrell. Before a game, I'll listen to pretty much the same thing, but with more throwback hip-hop: Biggie, Tupac, Rakim, Nas, N.W.A, DMX. But if I could name one artist to get me charged up to be ready [to play], it would be Jay Z. His lyrics, his flow, his music, his inspiration get me ready to go out and do whatever it takes to win."

CARMELO ANTHONY New York Knicks

"I'm very openminded when it comes to music. I go from heavy hip-hop to street-band music. Jay Z's music is the soundtrack to my life, and I [also] love Frank Sinatra. I'm a big-time original hip-hop head, and I support the new hip-hop era as well. There might be a day when I listen to Sade, Kenny G, Tony Bennett, Fela Kuti, or Charles Bradley. It all depends on the vibes I'm having that day."

KEVIN GARNETT Brooklyn Nets

"I listen to Lorde, Drake, Kanye West, Portishead, Zero 7, Colbie Caillat—it depends on my mood. I always listen to music before a game; music helps me in many ways. When I have my headphones on and am listening to whatever I'm listening to, it's like yoga or meditation—it calms me and puts me in a better place."

RUSSELL WESTBROOK Oklahoma City Thunder

"I listen to a lot of pop and R&B. I like Katy Perry, Charles Brown, Drake, and Beyonce's new album. Before a game I listen to rap—specifically rappers from my hometown of L.A., like TeeFlii, Problem, YG400, and DJ Mustard."