LeBron James Compares Hawks’ Jalen Johnson To Scottie Pippen

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is in his 23rd season and is still going strong against the newer generation of players. It is remarkable to watch players who grew up watching James go toe-to-toe as he continues to play at an All-Star level at age 41.

Out of the new batch of players to enter the NBA, one that is taking a big leap this season is Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson. Granted, he was showing those flashes last year, but injuries unfortunately derailed a strong start for Johnson.

Now that Atlanta traded away Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, it is the 24-year-old’s team moving forward. When asked about Johnson’s potential on the “Mind the Game” podcast, James said he thinks he can reach the caliber of Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen:

“They’ve put him at this Scottie Pippen role, where he is playing this point forward and not only is he scoring, he’s rebounding at a high rate and he’s dissing the ball. We’ve seen over like the last month where he might have three, four, five triple-doubles. I love seeing that in this league where guys take advantage of situation or come in from their work, what they did in the summertime and able to apply it.”

Through the first half of the season, Johnson is averaging more than 23 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists on efficient shooting. Most of those games have been without Young, so those statistics are only going to grow. James knows that the fifth year forward has a ways to go, but the talent is certainly there to be on par with a great like Pippen:

“I mentioned Scottie Pippen, man. And obviously, he has a long way to go. But as far as the talent, you look at a guy with long arms, 6’9″-6’10”, runs like a deer, super athletic, he’s improved his outside touch. But like you said, putting pressure on the rim, his ability to rebound, he can guard one through five for the majority of ones and fives. There’s some fives that would be a little bit challenging, but you talk about [Joel] Embiid, you talk about Joker [Nikola Jokic], they’re mismatches for anybody. His playmaking, I love his ceiling. I don’t know what his ceiling is, but I know it’s not low. I think it’s very high and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens. He’s on pace to be an All-Star in the East this year, for sure. There’s no doubt about it.”

The Lakers are set to face the Hawks on Tuesday, where they will see first-hand how Johnson operates as the No. 1 option. When Los Angeles visited Atlanta, he did not suit up and they still lost in a blowout.

However, the former Duke Blue Devil’s confidence is going to be extremely high and the Lakers better be prepared. Perhaps a reason for that confidence is the mentorship he has received from James as the two worked out together this past offseason.

Kevin Love calls LeBron James smartest player he’s played with

There is not much time remaining in James’ career, but his accolades speak for themselves. LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play and he has played with a number of great teammates.

One of those was Kevin Love back in Cleveland and with him nearing retirement as well, he thinks James is the smartest player he’s played with.