Debates over NBA dominance are never-ending, but nobody will deny that 2016 LeBron James was on another level. With his legendary championship run, elite two-way dominance, and historic Finals comeback, that version of LeBron continues to stand as one of the greatest forces the league has ever seen.
Now, DeMar DeRozan has reignited the conversation, claiming that most of today’s NBA players wouldn’t stand a chance against peak LeBron. His bold statement has sparked debate across the basketball world, reminding fans just how unstoppable James was nearly a decade ago.
DeMar DeRozan: Prime LeBron James Would Dominate Current NBA Players
Few people have had the misfortune of running into James at his peak, but DeRozan knows that feeling all too well. Between 2016 and 2018, DeRozan’s Toronto Raptors faced LeBron’s Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs multiple times, and each time ended in heartbreak.
For context, the Raptors lost all three playoff series during that stretch, finishing with a 2-12 record against LeBron’s Cavs. And there’s no one else to blame but James. The entire Eastern Conference feared him back then, but for some reason, Toronto always seemed like his favorite target.
DeRozan doesn’t think the Minnesota Timberwolves would have had a chance against 2016 Lebron James
“Most of these mf wouldn’t stand a chance versus 2016 Bron. People forget, the mans been doing this 22 years”
[via @RunYourRaceTL ] pic.twitter.com/cPFB0I7BPH
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) May 28, 2025
During an appearance on the “Run Your Race” podcast, DeRozan reflected on those battles with LeBron, especially when James repeatedly eliminated the Raptors from the playoffs. He specifically talked about how unstoppable LeBron was during his prime.
“Most of these mf* wouldn’t stand a chance vs. a 2016 Bron,” DeRozan said bluntly.
His comments came in the wake of criticism following the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Many fans started questioning LeBron’s legacy. But the former Raptors forward was quick to defend him. DeRozan reminded everyone that James has been dominating for 22 seasons and is still playing at a high level at age 40.
LeBron’s 2016 campaign remains one of the greatest in NBA history. He led the Cavaliers to their first-ever championship, famously coming back from a 3–1 deficit against the 73–9 Golden State Warriors. His iconic Game 7 block on Andre Iguodala is still etched in fans’ memories.
DeRozan doesn’t think the Minnesota Timberwolves would have had a chance against 2016 Lebron James
“Most of these mf wouldn’t stand a chance versus 2016 Bron. People forget, the mans been doing this 22 years”
[via @RunYourRaceTL ] pic.twitter.com/cPFB0I7BPH
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) May 28, 2025
Now with the Sacramento Kings, DeRozan admitted that facing LeBron in the playoffs was like facing a nightmare. He added that James’ dominance over two decades is something the league has never witnessed before.
“People forget, the man’s been doing this 22 years,” he said. “To still do that at that level, I’m pretty sure 99 percent of people in the league would not be doing none of that at 40 years of age.”
Despite the Lakers’ early playoff exit this season, LeBron continues to defy expectations. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in the regular season and 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in the playoffs.
This is clear proof that the Lakers legend is far from being “over the hill.” If anyone still doubts LeBron’s greatness, DeRozan’s praise offers the perfect reminder. The Lakers may have fallen short this year, but even at 40, LeBron James is still one of the best in the game.
