LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, recently lavished high praise on Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić, claiming he is the most dominant player he has ever faced in the NBA. During a recent episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, co-hosted by James and NBA legend Steve Nash, LeBron emphasized Jokić’s all-around gameplay, stating, “There has not been a more dominant, complete player that I’ve played against.”
Jokić’s versatility on the court is something that stands out to James, who highlighted the Serbian center’s exceptional skills in passing, shooting, and rebounding. He noted that whether teams attempt to double-team him or play him in single coverage, Jokić always finds a way to make them pay. LeBron further described Jokić’s unique style, mentioning how he often brings the ball up the floor, akin to a point guard, showcasing his ability to lead the fast break.
This season, Jokić is proving that praise well-placed, as he is averaging an impressive 29.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game, contributing significantly to the Nuggets’ strong start with a 13-4 record. He began the season with four consecutive triple-doubles and has continued to dominate, adding 14 more to his tally, including a standout performance with 17 points and 16 assists against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Recent performances solidify his status as a top player in the league, including a 44-point, 13-rebound outing against Sacramento and a near-triple-double with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in a nail-biting victory over Houston. Jokić was named the Western Conference Player of the Week on November 17, further adding to the buzz surrounding his candidacy for the MVP award as the season progresses.
LeBron’s acknowledgment of Jokić speaks volumes about the latter’s impact on the game and sets an exciting tone for the coming battles in the NBA, showcasing the high level of talent present in today’s league. With both seasoned legends and rising stars, fans are in for an exhilarating season.