LeBron James has been in the NBA for 23 seasons. During that stretch of time, he’s experienced various things. The Los Angeles Lakers star has won multiple championships, MVPs and All-Star selections. Some would say that James has dominated the league for most of his career. He’s also faced some of the best players the league has seen in that span.
James has faced legendary players like Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan. Those were the players who made a name for themselves before the 6-foot-9 star emerged in the basketball scene. In the latter half of his career, he’s experienced what it’s like to face the up-and-coming stars like Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, there’s only one player whom James thinks is the most dominant player he’s faced. On the latest episode of his podcast with Steve Nash, “Mind the Game,” the four-time champion name-dropped Nikola Jokic.
The future Hall of Famer singled out the Denver Nuggets star as the most complete player he’s faced.
“I will say this. There has not been a more dominant, complete player that I’ve played against, in the sense of all the attributes,” James said. “From the passing, to the shooting, to the rebounding, to the attention. There’s nothing he cannot do on the offensive end. Like, nothing at all. Nothing. You try to double him, he’s going to make you pay. You try to play him single coverage, he’s going to make you pay. He even brings the ball up the floor, they outlet the ball to him.”
The three-time MVP has redefined the center position with his offensive arsenal. Jokic’s offensive dominance has changed the game, and it has also led to a title win for the Nuggets.
Devin Booker lauds LeBron James’ game ahead of the Suns-Lakers game
The Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers are scheduled to face each other on Monday. Ahead of the contest, Suns star Devin Booker spoke highly of LeBron James’ play, even after missing the first 14 games of the team’s campaign.
“That’s the beauty of Bron’s game,” Booker said. “He can score the ball. He can also be a playmaker. You can see him easing his way back in, making a lot of plays for a lot of people. Throwing one of the best players to ever play back into the lineup can never be a downfall.”
"It starts with Luka (Doncic) and Austin (Reaves) playing at extreme levels."
Devin Booker after morning shootaround at UCLA as Suns (12-9) face Lakers (15-4) tonight.
On LeBron James blending in after missing start of season to injury: "That's the beauty of Bron's game. He… pic.twitter.com/9HNtEl2QLh
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 1, 2025
LeBron James has become the team’s third option behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He’s played four games since returning from a sciatica injury, averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.3 assists. In his 23rd season, the 21-time All-Star is taking a backseat for his co-stars to flourish.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
