LeBron James continues to be taking part in top-level basketball, at the same time as he enters his twenty third NBA season on the age of 40. The basketball legend, typically known as the best of all time, continues to earn large honours — making the All-NBA Second Staff in 2024-25.
Over his 22 years within the league, LeBron has achieved greater than most gamers ever will. He not too long ago made his twenty first straight All-Star and All-NBA group — one thing nobody has carried out earlier than. Identified for his energy, athleticism, and self-discipline, he’s nonetheless outplaying most youthful gamers.
However LeBron doesn’t simply give attention to himself. After a troublesome loss to the Denver Nuggets in March 2024 — LA’s eighth straight defeat to Nikola Jokic’s group — LeBron spoke actually about which gamers in at present’s recreation are the toughest to cease.
Surprisingly, he neglected rising stars like Victor Wembanyama, however his record nonetheless included among the most revered names in basketball. Listed here are the six gamers LeBron believes are probably the most unstoppable proper now:
6. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, now in his mid-30s, nonetheless strikes worry into defenders. LeBron and KD have battled many instances, together with three NBA Finals matchups, and Durant was named Finals MVP twice.
Although he’s misplaced some athleticism attributable to accidents, Durant’s skill to attain hasn’t dropped. He’s been scoring between 25–32 factors per recreation for nearly twenty years. What makes him particular? His skill to shoot over defenders with ease. At practically 7 toes tall with a clean leap shot, KD is nearly inconceivable to protect.
Durant’s mixture of top, talent, and taking pictures makes him one of the environment friendly scorers ever.
5. Stephen Curry
Subsequent on LeBron’s record is Stephen Curry, one other long-time rival. Curry isn’t bodily imposing, however his unmatched taking pictures has modified the sport.
Curry pulls defenders removed from the basket and opens up area for his teammates. His presence alone forces defences to make errors. With a fast launch and infinite vary, Curry’s shot is at all times a risk.
He’s additionally a intelligent passer and performs with excessive effectivity. His 62.5% true taking pictures share is without doubt one of the finest ever, particularly for a small guard.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
LeBron compares Giannis to legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain. He’s quick, highly effective, and places up unimaginable stats yr after yr.
Giannis typically acts as Milwaukee’s essential playmaker, even with star guards like Damian Lillard on the group. He’s averaged not less than 27 factors, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists per recreation for seven straight seasons and has been within the prime 4 in MVP voting throughout all of them.
His dimension and talent make him a power at each ends of the court docket — and at simply 30 years outdated, he’s nonetheless in his prime.
3. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic, LeBron’s latest teammate, is just 26 however already making historical past. He led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals and has posted unimaginable stats since his rookie yr.
Luka performs the sport in a different way — he’s not fast or explosive, however his footwork, energy, and sensible decision-making make him lethal. He averages practically 29 factors, 8 rebounds, and seven assists per recreation and is without doubt one of the finest passers within the league.
If he improves his health and defence, Luka might go down as one of many all-time greats.
2. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic has been a nightmare for LeBron and the Lakers. The Serbian centre is understood for his distinctive model — not flashy, however extremely efficient.
He lastly averaged a triple-double for a full season in 2024–25: 29.6 factors, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per recreation. Jokic is the best-passing large man in historical past and has tender palms across the rim. He scores, rebounds, and makes everybody round him higher.
His effectivity and all-round talent have already made him a three-time MVP — and he would possibly simply be the most effective offensive participant ever.
1. Joel Embiid
Topping LeBron’s record is Joel Embiid — a real powerhouse when wholesome. Sadly, accidents have restricted his taking part in time not too long ago. He’s solely performed 58 video games over the previous two seasons.
Nonetheless, when Embiid is match, he’s virtually inconceivable to cease. A 7-footer with a clean leap shot, Embiid averaged 31.5 factors, practically 11 rebounds, and over 4 assists between 2021 and 2024.
He received MVP in 2023 and stays one of the dominant one-on-one gamers within the recreation. If he can keep injury-free, one other monster season might be on the best way.
LeBron’s record reveals that dominance is available in many kinds — from top and energy to talent and creativity. Whether or not by pure energy like Giannis and Embiid or distinctive types like Curry and Jokic, every participant has mastered their very own means of taking on video games.
