Pretty much the title, if Kobe is a lesser version of Michael then which player currently playing can we say most closely resembles Lebrons game?
Pretty much the title, if Kobe is a lesser version of Michael then which player currently playing can we say most closely resembles Lebrons game?
It’s no one right now. I’d say maybe 4 players would have some claims to it, but they have flaws:
Ben Simmons: Defensively as capable as LeBron. He can be a comparable facilitator on offense. However, even at his best, Ben Simmons had zero interest in having a legitimate jumper. Even if he didn’t regress on offense, he’d still struggle to be more than an occasional bucket in the post (53.5% of his career FGA are within 3 feet). He’d need a monumental offensive explosion that was never going to happen.
Zion Williamson: Like Simmons, he lacks any semblance of range (67.3% of his FGA are iwthin 3 feet!). However, his raw athleticism and size were what you’d probably envision is “LeBron+.” Even bigger, but still agile and can use both the size and speed to make offensive plays few can. Zion with real discipline would have been incredibly intriguing for this, even without a jumper, just from the perspective of what his athleticism provides.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Again, unimpressive range (though the FGA inside of 3 feet is a reasonable 48.3%). He at least will TAKE 3s. He’s, like Zion, more size than LeBron and an athletic ability to will scoring opportunities with the physical assets. If he ever developed beyond the atrocious 28.7% 3PT%, he’d maybe be it. Big, strong, defensively capable, and is involved in the offense on many levels.
Nikola Jokic: Again, we’re talking someone who puts up freakshow stats for his archetype. Insane BBIQ on offense. Total opposite of the other guys (only 28.5% of his FGA are within 3 feet as a 7 footer?). His passing is increible. His rebounding is incredible. He’s got LeBron’s shooting efficiency (5% FG% advantage, 3PT% .4% better). He doesn’t have the athleticism or defensive involvement of LeBron.
None of them get there though. LeBron’s just an unbelievable mix of offense and defense. Ben Simmons has too many holes. Zion too. Giannis with a jumper would do it. Jokic probably has the closest degree of impact on the whole, but it’s skewed to offensive impact vs. LeBron’s ability to have a presence almost anywhere on both sides of the floor.
like you said, none of them are it. even with a solid jumper Giannis still will/would not be it because you left out the fact that LeBron is one of the greatest playmakers of all time.