LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo remain two of the NBA’s top players. Antetokounmpo, significantly younger than James, is expected to continue his dominant play this season. James, now 41, continues to surprise many with his ability to perform at a level comparable to his younger years.
While their greatness is unquestioned, a former No. 3 overall pick has surpassed both stars in one notable statistical category.
RJ Barrett Bests LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Scoring Stat
Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett, the third pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has outperformed Antetokounmpo and James in fourth‑quarter scoring this month.
Barrett is averaging 8.8 points in the fourth quarter. He ranks two spots ahead of James, who is third at 8.3 points, and four places ahead of Antetokounmpo, who is fifth at 7.6 points. Saddiq Bey (8.7 points), Donovan Mitchell (7.6 points), and Tyrese Maxey (7.5 points) also appear on the list.
Mr. 4th quarters this month pic.twitter.com/Fp6LK3Vrdq
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) January 25, 2026
Now in his seventh NBA season, the former Duke star has established himself as a key contributor for Toronto. The Raptors are among the Eastern Conference’s top teams, sitting fourth in the standings entering Monday’s games with a 28‑19 record.
Barrett is averaging 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, production that places him among the team’s top four performers.
While he has performed well for the Raptors, Barrett is reportedly among the players the team is including in trade talks, alongside Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl. Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports reported the Raptors would be open to moving the versatile forward at the trade deadline if it meant significantly improving the roster.
Brandon Ingram has also played a central role in Toronto’s success. Since being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans last season, Ingram has thrived with the Raptors and helped position the team for a potential deep playoff run
Ingram was a former member of the New Orleans Pelicans, who had struggled for the majority of the time he played with the team. Now playing for the Raptors, it seems they have what it takes to make a deep playoff run this season, if not contend for a title.
Ingram is averaging 21.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Alongside Barrett, he is supported by Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley.
Barnes has been an all‑around force, averaging 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals. Quickley has provided balanced production on both ends of the floor, averaging 17.0 points, 6.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals.
