The Featherweights Of The Paint: Who Is The Lightest Player In The NBA Right Now? (2024-2025)

The NBA is a league of giants and physical marvels, where strength and mass often dictate success. Yet, every season, a handful of players defy the norms of physicality, proving that elite skill, speed, and heart can overcome a significant weight disadvantage. As of today, December 13, 2025, the title of the NBA's lightest active player belongs to a dynamic young guard from the Washington Wizards, showcasing that a slight build can still pack a powerful punch on the court.

This article dives deep into the profile of this current featherweight champion, exploring how he manages to compete against players who outweigh him by over 100 pounds. We also travel back in time to examine the historical legends who proved that being the lightest player in NBA history is a badge of honor, not a limitation, cementing their place as some of the most inspiring figures in the sport.

The Current Lightest Player: AJ Johnson's Biography and Profile

The distinction of being the active lightest player in the NBA for the 2024-2025 season belongs to rookie sensation AJ Johnson. Listed at a surprisingly slender weight for his height, Johnson's entry into the league immediately placed him in a unique category. His ability to navigate the physical rigors of professional basketball at this weight is a testament to his athleticism and skill.

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• Full Name: Akeem Jamaal “AJ” Johnson
• Current Team: Washington Wizards
• Position: Guard (PG/SG)
• Height: 6'5"
• Weight: 160 lbs (73 kg)
• Date of Birth: December 1, 2004
• Hometown: Woodland Hills, California
• Experience: 1 Year (Rookie Season)
• NBA Draft: 2024, Round 1, 23rd Overall (Selected by the Washington Wizards)
• Pre-NBA Career: Played for the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian NBL as part of the NBL Next Stars program.

The 160-Pound Marvel: How AJ Johnson Thrives in the NBA

At 6'5" and just 160 pounds, AJ Johnson’s frame presents a fascinating dichotomy. He is taller than many traditional point guards but carries significantly less mass than most players at his height, including forwards and even many shooting guards. For comparison, the average weight of an NBA player is well over 215 pounds, meaning Johnson gives up a considerable amount of weight to nearly every opponent.

His success, however, is rooted in the very attributes that his slight build enhances: elite speed and agility. Johnson uses his quickness to his advantage, making him a difficult cover in transition and a blur in the half-court set. This speed allows him to penetrate defenses and create opportunities before the opposing big men can rotate effectively. His playstyle is less about brute force and more about finesse and timing.

The primary challenge for the lightest player in the NBA is the constant exposure to the league's intense physicality. Driving to the basket means absorbing contact from players who are often 50 to 100 pounds heavier. For Johnson, building core strength and perfecting his landing mechanics are crucial for injury prevention and long-term durability. His training regimen likely focuses heavily on functional strength to withstand the pounding of an 82-game season. His high draft position indicates that scouts and the Wizards organization believe his exceptional skill set and potential for muscle growth outweigh the immediate concerns about his current body mass index (BMI).

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Johnson's unique physical profile has drawn comparisons to other slender, high-motor guards who rely on speed and length, proving that being the lightest does not equate to being the weakest. He is an example of the evolving NBA, where positional size is becoming less important than positional skill, and a player’s speed advantage can be the ultimate equalizer.

A Historical Look: The Lightest NBA Players of All Time

While AJ Johnson is the current lightest player, the historical record for the lowest weight in NBA history is held by a legend who proved that heart and vertical leap are far more important than heft. The stories of these historical featherweights add immense topical authority to the discussion of weight in the league, inspiring generations of smaller athletes.

Spud Webb: The Lightest Player Ever (133 lbs)

Anthony "Spud" Webb holds the undisputed record for the lightest NBA player ever, listed at just 133 pounds (60 kg). Standing at 5'6", Webb was a sensation during his 12-year career, most notably with the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings. His defining moment came in 1986 when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, defeating his much taller and heavier teammate, Dominique Wilkins. Webb’s incredible vertical jump and athleticism, despite his slight frame, made him a fan favorite and a true anomaly in the league.

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Earl Boykins: The Pocket Powerhouse (135 lbs)

Earl Boykins is often cited as the second-lightest player in NBA history, listed at 135 pounds (61 kg), though some sources have listed him as low as 133 lbs. At 5'5", Boykins was the second-shortest player in NBA history (after Muggsy Bogues). His longevity and strength were legendary; despite his small size, he was known for being incredibly strong, with reports claiming he could bench press over 300 pounds. Boykins carved out a successful 13-year career, proving that elite strength could be packaged in a tiny, durable frame.

Muggsy Bogues: The Shortest and Third Lightest (136 lbs)

Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history at 5'3", is also one of the lightest, listed at 136 pounds (62 kg). Bogues' career was marked by his incredible quickness, passing ability, and tenacious defense. His longevity, playing 14 seasons, speaks volumes about his ability to withstand the physical demands of the league despite his size. The trio of Webb, Boykins, and Bogues represent the pinnacle of skill overcoming size in professional basketball.

The Science of Weight and Performance in the NBA

The weight of an NBA player is a critical factor, representing a constant trade-off between speed and power. For players like AJ Johnson, being the lightest offers a significant speed and endurance advantage. Less mass means less energy is required to accelerate and change direction, translating to superior quickness and the ability to maintain a high pace throughout the game. This is essential for guards who need to cover the court quickly and run the fast break.

However, the downside is a clear lack of physical strength for battling in the paint, setting screens, and absorbing contact on drives. Heavier players, particularly centers and power forwards, use their weight as leverage to dominate the rebounding battle and control the low post. The lightest players must compensate with superior technique, court vision, and a relentless motor. They often rely on floaters, pull-up jumpers, and drawing fouls rather than finishing through contact. As Johnson continues his career, the focus will be on maintaining his elite quickness while gradually adding functional muscle to improve his on-court durability and effectiveness in the paint.

The contrast between the lightest and heaviest players in the NBA—where the heaviest players can exceed 285 pounds—highlights the extreme range of athleticism and body types in the league. The success of players like Johnson and historical figures like Spud Webb demonstrates that there is no single blueprint for an NBA star. Skill, heart, and the ability to leverage your unique physical attributes are what truly define an elite player.