For the longest time, LeBron James has been on the top of the mountain as far as the current generation. Over the years, players such as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have challenged James for the position. However, the King remains to be the best player and has sown no signs of slowing down even in Year 19. But out of all the younger players, analysts have given huge praise to Mavericks guard, Luka Doncic and even deemed him the next LeBron. However, James’ former teammate couldn’t get his head around the comparisons.
The NBA has seen many international players leave their mark in the league. However, the Dallas Mavericks seem to draw in the best of the best. After a legendary career from Dirk Nowitzki, a young Luka came in and shook the league as no one saw coming. This season alone, he has propelled the Mavs into the WCF while averaging over 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Much like LeBron in his young career, Doncic is expected to do it all.
However, that isn’t enough to convince LeBron’s former teammate, Iman Shumpert. The former NBA champion believes LeBron’s athletic ability separates him from Doncic.
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Shumpert sounds off on Luka Doncic and LeBron James comparison
As soon as Shumpert even heard Luka and LeBron in the same statement, he was in total disagreement. However, his point came to LeBron’s natural freight train-like ability. He believes it is impossible for Doncic to replicate what James can do on the court from an athletic standpoint. While he did agree Doncic could add to moves to his bag, Shumpert thinks that will be stopped by someone ahead. But when it comes to LeBron or Mike, their ability to pull off freakish plays is what Shumpert believes makes them great.
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He said: “No, he cannot be. He could be Luka.” Shumpert does believe Luka can develop more skills, but he also thinks that the NBA will adjust to his style of play. He said, “When you get to the NBA, everybody adjusts. Defenses adjust, traps happen, and do things to get the ball out of your hands. And your response to that is what makes you great. I just don’ see him having the athletic edge that I have seen LeBrons, and Kobes, and Mikes have. That’s usually your breaking point, it’s like you can do some freakishly athletic stuff nobody can do. I just think after a while, somebody is going to stop the stepback stuff.”
There is no doubt Luka has set himself up to be great. Just in his third year, Doncic has set the league on fire. Having the highest averages in elimination games, he has all the elements to be an all-time great. Despite not being athletic, Luka can fair off with the best. However, when it comes to LeBron James, the Akron Hammer was nearly unstoppable in his young days. His freakish athleticism was heard all around the league as he raised himself to become a superstar. Moreover, when the shots don’t fall, James always has his athleticism to rely on even in his 19th season. As for Luka, his athletic ability isn’t among the best.
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However, Doncic’s ability under pressure is one of the best there is. The 23-year-old All-Star can deliver on the biggest stages and shock the world. With a similar role to James, the comparisons are surely not stopping anytime soon. And Doncic is doing a great job in keeping his end of the bargain for the argument.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Essentially Sports
