LeBron James has been in the NBA for 23 years and played against 35% of the league, from Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone to the young guys we see tearing up the court today.
James has a unique perspective on comparing players from different eras, and he didn’t hold back in comparing one breakout star to six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen.
LeBron James’ Bold Comparison
Speaking on his podcast, Mind the Game, James likened Atlanta Hawks star Jalen Johnson to the NBA Hall of Famer.
“I mentioned Scottie Pippen, obviously, he has a long way to go, but as far as talent, you look at the long arms, 6’9, runs like a deer. Super athletic, he’s improved his outside touch. His ability to guard 1-5.
“His playmaking as well, I can see that he’s going to continue to improve, and one thing about our league is that it’s all about confidence and opportunity. I love his ceiling. I think his ceiling is very high, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens. He is on pace to be an All-Star in the East for sure, there is no doubt about it.”
He further added, “I think his ceiling is very high, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens. He is on pace to be an All-Star in the East for sure, there is no doubt about it.’
After a slow start to life in the NBA, Johnson has improved immeasurably with the Hawks and even taken over the reins as the team’s best player from Trae Young in recent months.
In 34 games this season, Johnson has developed into one of the elite point-forwards in the game, averaging 23.7 points, 10.4 rebounds (8th in the NBA), and 8.4 assists (5th in the NBA).
He’s recorded 30+ points in seven games so far, including a 43-point outburst in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets in mid-December.
With Johnson as the lead guy on the floor this season, the Hawks are a steady 16-18. When Young is the lead orchestrator, the Hawks are 2-8. After a breakout year during the 2023/24 season, averaging 16 points and 8.7 rebounds, the Hawks signed Johnson to a five-year, $150 million contract in October 2024.
With Young on the trade block for Atlanta, the Hawks are clearing the runway for Johnson to continue ascending his ceiling and become one of the premier players. While Young has been missing for a large portion of the season, Johnson has notched 25 double-doubles and seven triple-doubles.
The Hawks’ willingness to part ways with Young at the halfway mark of the season is a testament to how much Johnson has improved in the last three seasons. It can never be bad to have ‘King’ James compare you to one of the greatest basketball players ever to exist, either.
