LeBron James vs. Kawhi Leonard Full Comparison 2023-24

LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are two of the best players in the world right now and are among the greatest at their position. As we delve into the 2023-24 season, fans and analysts alike find themselves wondering who is the better player right now. James is leading the Los Angeles Lakers as they look to fight against their 19-21 record and retain a playoff seed. 

Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard is the best player on the Los Angeles Clippers who have been on fire with a 25-13 record and an 8-2 record over the last 10 games. As great as Leonard has been, is he a better player than LeBron James right now? Let’s find out now, taking team performance out of the comparison.

Scoring - LeBron James

In terms of scoring, LeBron James continues to showcase his enduring prowess on the basketball court during the 2023-24 season. With an impressive average of 24.7 points per game, James combines efficiency with versatility, boasting a field goal percentage of 52.1%. His ability to stretch the floor is evident in his 38.9% success rate from beyond the arc as the best shooter on the Lakers right now.

In comparison to Kawhi Leonard, James holds a slight edge in points per game. Leonard, with 23.9 points per game, exhibits comparable efficiency with a matching 52.1% field goal percentage. While both players share a remarkable accuracy from the field, LeBron's experience becomes evident as he navigates the complexities of scoring with finesse. He is averaging more points per game and can score more easily thanks to his experience.

Shooting - Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard stands as a precision marksman this season, displaying an impressive scoring average of 23.9 points per game. Leonard's proficiency on the court is evident in his 52.1% field goal accuracy and an impressive 43.1% success rate from beyond the arc. This remarkable accuracy from long-range adds a lethal dimension to his offensive arsenal, keeping defenders on their toes.

Equally noteworthy is Leonard's prowess at the free-throw line, where he demonstrates remarkable consistency with an 87.7% success rate. While LeBron James holds a slight edge in points per game, Kawhi Leonard's shooting proficiency, especially from three-point range and the free-throw line, showcases his ability to impact the game in diverse ways and is a better shooter.

Athleticism - LeBron James

LeBron James, despite entering the seasoned stage of his career at 39 years old, continues to defy the conventional boundaries of athleticism. Standing at an imposing 6'9" and weighing in at 250 lbs of sheer muscle, James exemplifies a rare combination of size, strength, and agility. What sets LeBron apart, particularly in comparison to Kawhi Leonard, is his physical presence.

With a significant size advantage over Leonard, who stands at 6'7" and weighs 225 lbs, James possesses the ability to dominate in the paint. This strength becomes a formidable asset, allowing him to power through defenses, secure rebounds, and finish plays with authority.

Defense - Kawhi Leonard

As LeBron James embraces the later stages of his illustrious career at 39 years old, there's a noticeable shift in focus toward offensive contributions. While maintaining a respectable average of 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, James's defensive prowess has understandably taken a backseat to his offensive responsibilities.

On the other side of the court, Kawhi Leonard continues to stand out as a defensive stalwart. The 2023-24 season sees Leonard making significant contributions on the defensive end, averaging 1.7 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. What sets Leonard apart is his versatility in defending multiple positions at an elite level and the two-time winner of the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award is the greater defender.

Clutch - LeBron James

With a wealth of experience that spans various high-stakes moments over 20 years, James has earned the trust of teammates and fans alike when the game is on the line. His clutch ability extends beyond scoring, encompassing the capacity to make the right play at the right time. While it's true that James's free-throw percentage may not be at its peak (73.2%), his knack for delivering in critical moments is undeniable whether he scores or passes as he posts 4.1 clutch points and 0.5 clutch assists per game.

Meanwhile, Leonard’s intangibles he brings to late-game scenarios contribute significantly to his team's success. However, he is averaging 2.6 clutch points and only 0.4 clutch assists per game so he has not been called upon as often or as successfully as The King. No doubt, having Paul George and James Harden by Leonard’s side has affected that.

Impact - LeBron James

While Leonard may boast superior defensive numbers and shooting percentages, LeBron's impact transcends individual categories, making him a more versatile and impactful player overall. In terms of scoring, LeBron James holds the edge with a higher points per game average (24.7) compared to Leonard (23.9). James also excels in playmaking, showcasing his leadership with adept passing skills. His 6.8 assists per game significantly outshine Leonard's playmaking contributions.

LeBron's impact extends to the boards as well, with a notable advantage in rebounding. Averaging 8.3 rebounds per game, James brings a valuable presence in securing possessions for his team. This multifaceted contribution is a testament to his all-around game. Beyond the statistical realm, LeBron's leadership qualities and the intangible impact he has on the Lakers means he is more valuable to the Lakers than Leonard is to the Clippers.

Efficiency - Kawhi Leonard

When comparing the shooting percentages of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, Kawhi emerges as the more efficient offensive player. While both players boast a 52.1% field goal percentage, Leonard's advantage lies in his three-point shooting and free-throw accuracy. He showcases an impressive 43.1% success rate from beyond the arc, surpassing LeBron James's 38.9%. Additionally, Leonard excels at the free-throw line, boasting an 87.7% accuracy, while James maintains a 73.2% free-throw percentage.

Also, LeBron James averages 3.3 turnovers per game (TOV), whereas Kawhi Leonard maintains a more conservative 1.6 TOV per game. This discrepancy in turnovers further contributes to Leonard's efficiency on the offensive end. James has to be less efficient to do more, but Leonard has been excellent in PER (23.4) over James (23.1).

Handles - LeBron James

In the realm of ball handling, both LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard exhibit solid skills, although neither is known for frequent ankle-breaking moves like some other players. However, when comparing the two, LeBron James holds a slight edge in this department. James, who often assumes point guard responsibilities, naturally possesses the ability to make dynamic moves with the ball in his hands and orchestrate plays.

Kawhi Leonard is no slouch when it comes to ball-handling, especially in the context of his post-up scoring prowess. His handle is reliable and effective, contributing to his scoring versatility. Nevertheless, James's experience as a primary playmaker and his role as a point guard at times provide him with a subtle advantage in terms of overall ball-handling.

Leadership - LeBron James

It is hard to compare any player to LeBron James in leadership intangibles since he is one of the greatest leaders in the league's history. When comparing the leadership styles of James and Leonard, it becomes evident that James holds a distinct edge. One factor contributing to this advantage is the absence of a "load management" stigma surrounding James, unlike Leonard.

LeBron serves as an emotional leader, rallying his teammates with passion and intensity. Simultaneously, he is a vocal leader, guiding and motivating his team with his words. Additionally, James leads by example, consistently delivering stellar performances on the court and setting high standards for his teammates. On the other hand, while Kawhi Leonard leads by example through his on-court excellence, his leadership style has occasionally been associated with load management and a desire to take care of his own health over team success.

Basketball IQ - LeBron James

LeBron James's basketball IQ stands as a pinnacle in the NBA, making it challenging to find a comparable player in this regard. James's elite passing skills, demonstrated by his impressive average of 7.6 assists per game mean he is an elite playmaker. What sets him apart is not just his ability to make the right plays, but the level of experience and situational awareness he brings to every game.

While Kawhi Leonard is undoubtedly in control when he has the ball and doesn’t make bad plays, he can’t use court vision, strategic thinking, and the ability to read and manipulate defenses like James can. Only Nikola Jokic can rival LeBron James when it comes to basketball IQ right now, quite frankly.

1-On-1 Game - Kawhi Leonard

When comparing LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard in 1-on-1 play, Leonard holds a notable advantage. At 39 years old, LeBron James has transitioned more into a team-oriented scoring role, relying on his exceptional ability to involve teammates and create scoring opportunities for the team as a whole. While James remains a prolific scorer, his game is characterized by a strategic team approach leveraging his basketball IQ and passing skills.

In one-on-one situations, his effectiveness may not match that of his prime years. Additionally, on the defensive end, James may not excel as consistently in one-on-one matchups. Kawhi Leonard, being younger and possessing a skill set well-suited for individual play, thrives in one-on-one scenarios. He can dominate 1-on-1 matchups on both ends of the court better than James can.

Final Result

LeBron James vs. Kawhi Leonard 7-4

LeBron James, at 39 years old, continues to defy expectations with his scoring, leadership, and basketball IQ. He is a better scorer, passer, rebounder, leader, and savant of the game than Leonard is right now. Averaging 24.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, LeBron is a walking triple-double threat and that is hard to find in the NBA.

On the other side, Kawhi Leonard, with his defensive prowess, shooting efficiency, and one-on-one skills, showcases a dynamic style of play. Leonard's ability to handle individual matchups and contribute on both ends of the court highlights his significance to the Clippers. However, he isn’t as impactful as LeBron James is which goes to show how much The King means to a Los Angeles Lakers franchise that would be in complete disarray without him while the Clippers could get by in the West without Leonard.